Voter list updating

The criticism against the EC in recent times primarily revolved around its intent insofar as updating of the voter list is concerned. The lapses ranged from flouting of court directives to putting forward ideas and work plans in violation of the set rules. The barrage of resistance finally forced the EC to revert to the standard procedures, of course after wasting valuable time. Then the general expectation was that the EC would swing into action to complete the job of updating the voter list. But now it is evident that even operational efficiency is something that this EC is not capable of ensuring.

Another disquieting feature of the EC's handling of the issue is that it is not showing any sensitivity to popular demands or expectations. Strangely enough, the EC seems to be under the impression that it is the voters' duty to get their names included in the electoral roll. Equally baffling is the unmistakable go-slow tactic, which may put the whole democratic process in jeopardy.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The question that arises is why the supreme body for conducting elections is not responding to a crucially important national issue with due haste. It's stumbling almost at every step, giving rise to speculations of all sorts. And of course doubt creeps in when the EC comes up from time to time with legally untenable and absurd propositions.

Only three days back we came to learn that the finance minister had decided not to release funds to the EC for the same job once again. This was apparently a normal course for the minister to take. But again, precious time would be lost if settling of such matters is left to the routine bureaucratic procedures.

The EC has to recover from the poor start (in updating the voter list) and make sure that the job is done satisfactorily without getting into 'time trouble'.