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kondorong
Gambia
4380 Posts |
 Posted - 18 Aug 2006 : 19:20:51
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Many times, there were announcements few hours before close of voting that all those who have voter’s cards could vote even if their names are not on the register. Should this be allowed? Why cant there be a register that has all the names.
Under the provisions of the electoral laws, after a general or supplementary registration, names of persons registered must be published to allow for those who would like to contest the registrations of some persons before it is added to the final register.
If this piece of legislation is meant to provide a check, then why should any one vote whose name is not on the register in the first place?
I personally think one should not be allowed to vote if one's name is not on the register and then such persons should be able to sue the IEC for denying them their constitutional right to elect or be elected. Missing names on the register has still not been addressed. In the last presidential election, a whole village in Fulladu, around Brikama Bah did not appear on the register. That should not happen again. This was monitored on local radio stations.
If this piece of legislation cannot stand, then the relevant law, which requires for names to be published, should just be amended. Because on can issue a voters card illegally and then refuse to publish it for any one to contest and come election day, no one can stop them. They would have passed the stage of scrutiny. This very legal rambling is at the very heart of electoral transparency.
By denying them to vote, one is automatically reducing the chances for fraud because if such names appear on the register, they will be challenged. Then again, one cannot avoid foul play where some opposition areas will not be disenfranchised by not listing them on the register in the first place. However, adding a clause, which will make it easy for voters to sue, will greatly reduce this tendency.
What are your thoughts? The case is at the Court of Appeal and they will be sitting next week. We might have a ruling before September. Unfortunately with a divided opposition this issue is not taking center stage but it’s the lifeblood of every politician. This legislation or ruling will determine if you bread will be buttered in the first place.
Happy week end
The high court made a ruling on this before the bye election that only those on the register could vote which saw Halifa, kemeseng, and Sedia back to the House winning a large majority. However, the state is appealing this ruling at the Court of Appeal.
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Dalton1
3485 Posts |
Posted - 19 Aug 2006 : 00:11:33
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Kondorong,
A piece that truly deserve a salute. I couldn't agree with more.
The register should be a reference point. Any name on a piece of card called voters card may not reflect legibility. With some revelations done by Foroyya about some non Gambians getting registered in Tallinding, what else should be done other than reference the register. I will do a little research on it.
Happy weekend too ! |
"There is no god but Allah (SWT); and Muhammad (SAW)is His last messenger." shahadah. Fear & Worship Allah (SWT) Alone! (:
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