The National Unity Government’s attitude towards election demonstrates that its leadership still lacks the political will to hold a timely, transparent and fail presidential election. Although the Independent Election Commission (IEC) has scheduled the presidential poll for September 28, the possibility remains high that the election will not take place on time given the nature and scope of ongoing preparations by IEC. But even if the election is held, it may serve as a precursor to another simmering political crisis similar to that emerged after the 2014 presidential election.
IEC on Saturday announced the “supplementary” voter registration for the presidential election as no public awareness programs have been launched before and during the process. The reason behind it appears to be that IEC has not been able to find funds for its public awareness campaigns.
The launch of voter registration by IEC without public awareness is useless and a symbolic act. When people are not aware of the drive, how they will be expected to turn up at the registration centers, especially when widespread fraud and disputes in previous elections have eaten away at public’s faith and interest in the national process as they have come around to the view that their votes don’t count, so why endanger their lives.
Public awareness campaign must be the main part of the voter registration process. The citizens not only should be aware that the voter registration is ongoing, but they should also be convinced through public awareness campaigns that their participation in election is not useless, and their votes will be counted. If people are not convinced that their votes can bring about change and will be counted, the voter turnout in future election may be extremely low, something that will raise serious questions about the legitimacy of the next administration. Accordingly, IEC which has failed to implement public awareness programs before the voter registration process should do so at least during the drive.
