Editorial
August 4 polls must have full confidence of people
EC's first test
ALREADY we are hearing worrisome noises, some even emanating from the Election Commission itself, as to the resurfacing of criminal elements in the run up to the August 4 polls, and how they might slip through the net to become candidates. And we are also hearing complaints that the EC is lagging behind in providing information on the candidates as required by statute.
The upcoming elections are the first since the reconstitution of the EC under a new chief last year, and as such, are absolutely critical to the commission's credibility. It has been in office over a year, more than enough time to ensure that all that is needed for the upcoming elections to be free and fair should be in place.
If the EC fails to give the people polls that they find acceptable it will call into question its entire work of the past year and possibly throw doubt on the national elections to be held at the end of the year.
The EC has had over a year to fully reorganise itself and to formulate the laws necessary for running clean elections. Now it needs to make sure, quite simply, that the laws are followed. This means following the commission's own directives on submission and publication of candidate information and strictly ensuring that all the other codes of conduct are adhered to. The strong measures that are being promised against violators of the code are salutary.
Given that this is the EC's first election and that the country is in a state of some confusion due to the absence of politics and the state of emergency, it is understandable if there are minor bumps in the road. But the people are expecting this EC to deliver free and fair polls and elected representatives who have complied with all relevant election laws.
Ultimately it will be the people who will decide whether the elections are above board or not. They will not be fooled. The people of this country have waited patiently for over a year to exercise their right to franchise, and it is imperative that their patience be rewarded with good elections. Any failure on this count is unacceptable.
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