This commission has so far given the opportunity to convey their view to every stakeholders, except for the main stakeholders! Public should be given a chance to talk by arranging public hearings on matters of national interest
First of all, we beg to differ with the honorable members of the Election Commission in saying that they are wrong when they say that the political parties are their main stakeholders. Political parties are not your main stakeholder, but the citizens of the country – specifically the individual voters – are your main stakeholders.
Its heartening to see that you have been engaged in dialogue with different organizations of the country to get a sense of what the people want. These different stakeholders have been from professional bodies to NGOs, big political parties to small political parties. Also, you never fail to find a slot in your schedule to make time for foreign guests and dignitaries.
Its good that you are being active in making sure that you take into account of others’ opinions and also make sure that others are on board with different changes that you are contemplating.
However, there is a big question mark in your perception of the responsibility that you have.
Who is your employer? Have you ever thought about it?
Also, if you make regulation to streamline the electoral system and political parties, whom do you ask for opinion?
Let us give you a clue.
If I am a simple law-abiding hard-working citizen of the country and if I do not engage myself in any social, political organizations, is there a way for you to give me an opportunity to convey my opinion to you?
The opinion could be how strict the laws should you make to streamline the unruly politicians.
The opinion could be how much fine you should decide if anyone breaks election laws.
The opinion could be how much disturbance in my individual rights I am prepared to relegate in order for the political parties do politics.
The list could go on.
Bottomline: Before finalizing any electoral laws, you should give the individual voters to have their opinion. You have given enough time to special interests – both good ones and evil ones. Now is a good time you make some time for your main stakeholders – who are the individual citizens of the country.
Now that the regulation is in place for your independence, its high time for you to start thinking clearly. Arrange public hearings so that individual citizens of the country can have their say in the process.
If you thought some of the ideas are worth of your reading time, please forward it to others. If you have an ear to the columinsts in regular traditional media, please forward it to them. If you have an ear to the journalists and news editors of the electronic media, discuss it with them. Hope they would look at the suggestions and give due diligence.
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