Voter list mess

Disconcerting news is coming to the media from all over the country with regard to the process of updating the voter list. Though the deadline is fast approaching, residents in many parts of the capital city complained that there were no sign of the list updating work in the area, while in some other area the number of voters increased abnormally after updating. There is further allegation that in other parts of the country political activists forcibly entered names of their own people in the list.

A correct and updated voter list is the prerequisite of a free, fair and acceptable election. The Election Commission is the state organ on which the solemn responsibility of preparing such an instrument rests as per the dictate of the Constitution. But the manner in which the EC and its controversial commissioners have carried out the responsibility leaves one wondering about their skill, sincerity and wisdom. The EC has to step in to expedite the work and also do it properly so that genuine voters are not left out of the list. The task requires engaging the right number of trained personnel who would be motivated enough to do their work with utmost sincerity. The EC has to realise that time is not on its side anymore.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source