Election For Sure

Momentum has been added to the election process what with 124 different political parties wishing to take part in the election under the proportionate system filing their applications the other day at the Election Commission. The deadline for the parties to apply for participation in the proportionate election system was Monday, September 30 as per the tight election-related programme published by the Commission. The Election Commission has been working day and night to hold the November election as scheduled, and it will soon publish the final list of the parties that will be taking part under the proportionate system. Similarly, the deadline for filing nominations under the first-past-the post system is October 3. Keeping this in mind, the political parties are working overnight to select suitable candidates. The political parties are expected to announce the names of all the candidates by Wednesday.

Once the nomination papers for the November 19 election are filed, the election process is expected to proceed in full gear. Although some parties and people still doubt if the polls will be held on November 19, there should no doubt about the election now as the government and the Election Commission are fully prepared and committed to the task. Similarly the political parties, too, are fully prepared to face the election. In fact, there is no alternative to the November 19 election as it is the only way to end the present political uncertainty and vacuum. In a democracy, people are the final arbiters, and they should be allowed to decide the fate and future of the country, for which the election is the best approach. Thus, the election is a national necessity and all the political parties and people need to contribute to making the election a success. Those who are against the election are also against the democratic process and seem to be afraid of facing the people.

If any individual or party tries to disrupt the election, the government cannot remain a mute spectator and must act firmly against such anti-election activities. The election is a must not only to write a new constitution but also to end the present political transition. If the election cannot be held in November, the transition will only prolong, which may not be in the interest of the country and the people. Thus, it is the duty of all the people and parties to extend meaningful and constructive support to the government and the Election Commission for successfully and peacefully holding the election on the scheduled date. All of us must take into account the fact that our and the country’s fate lies in holding a free, fair and credible election.