Editorial
Parting comments of CEC
Emphasis on neutrality cannot be stressed enough
We believe that the parting comments of the outgoing Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) merit serious consideration. The successful completion of his five-year tenure has left him with a wealth of experience and a number of observations which he leaves behind for the incumbent CEC and Election Commission (EC) overall. These can help them in the holding of the country's next general elections in a free and fair manner.
While all eyes are now on the search committee which has been formed to recommend names for the appointment of the next chief election commissioner and election commissioners, due to be finalised today, the overarching imperative is to have a fully neutral EC.
The three things which hinder the holding of free and fair elections, according to the former CEC, is a faulty voter list, black money and muscle power. The outgoing EC's biggest battles were against these forces and the new EC's must be as well. The former CEC also suggested options such as staggered voting and the use of electronic voting machines, among other things, to aid the electoral process.
While, to our minds, the issue of elections under a neutral Caretaker Government remains open, we strongly believe that the pivotal factor in the holding of free and fair elections lies in a strong and independent election commission, caretaker system regardless. We reiterate here the words of the former CEC that neutrality is key. We expect that the EC will be structurally, functionally, fundamentally independent and provided with adequate logistical support to enable it to exercise its remit. This includes the barring of all forms of external influence which may try to interfere in the electoral process. To this end, whatever reforms to the electoral laws are needed would have to be brought about.
We hope that the experiences of the former EC will be taken into consideration and that they will guide the future EC and be reflected in its actions. The former EC has set a good precedent, it will be up to the future one not only to uphold it, but also improve it where necessary, so that the nation's next parliamentary election can be held above any controversy and conflict.
We end by registering our appreciation for the good work done by the CEC and his team of commissioners during their tenure.
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