The use of indelible ink, among other reforms announced by the Election Commission on Monday, will go a long way in assuring people that the next general election will be above board. The Election Commission’s (EC) decision to use indelible ink in the next general election, among other ground-breaking measures recommended by the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC), has been welcomed and will put an end to persistent allegations of double voting and other forms of electoral fraud.
In a situation where belief in the voting process has taken a knock, it is only natural that indelible ink be brought into play to restore faith in the electoral system. The acceptance of the ink also shows that the Government welcomes any move to ensure greater credibility of the vote and electoral transparency.
It shows that the Government, too, is not afraid of the vote despite Opposition accusations of double voting, phantom voters, padding the roll and other types of electoral fraud.
It says it has nothing to hide as the vote has been accepted in previous elections and any dispute can always be referred back to the courts.
The EC announced on Monday that it is also accepting a PSC interim recommendation to allow advance voting for essential service personnel.
But it is not abolishing postal voting, which will be confined to commission workers and others who apply for it, in all a tiny figure.
Full Article: New reforms by EC spell transparency.