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The need for a peaceful local poll

Although less keenly and hotly contested than the general election of last December, today's local government election has raised some security concerns. The polls campaign which was conducted on a comparatively lower key than that of the general election is bound to be seen among some as a gauge of the Government's popularity although the prime focus of the poll should be on local issues.

It is a pity that this is not entirely so because local self-government and issues pertaining to it are very much part of the democratic ethos.

It is our hope that future local polls would be reoriented by political parties, their candidates and campaign managers to make them focus predominantly on local issues and grassroots questions.

Meanwhile, most citizens are likely to wish for a peaceful poll. Although independent observers have noticed a decline in the level of violence from that which prevailed at the last two general elections, the ideal is a totally trouble-free poll where every voter would be in position to exercise her or his franchise in an atmosphere of calm and quietness.

Tension breaks out in these situations when the law of the land is flouted by candidates, party supporters and campaigners. The most effective means of maintaining law and order is strict adherence to electoral laws on the part of all. It is up to political leaders, party officials and activists to uphold the law and enlighten their followers on the requirements of the law.

It is entirely their responsibility also to enforce discipline among party cadres at election time. The violence and lawlessness usually seen on such occasions stems substantially from an inability on the part of responsible persons to measure up to these standards.

For instance, if party candidates take the law into their hands and ran amok, they could hardly expect their supporters to be law-abiding. We believe that long prior to elections of any kind, those figuring in them should be enlightened on the election laws and their requirements.

It is also vitally important that the law enforcement authorities too carry out their duties today, effectively and impartially. The stringent and unbiased enforcement of the law, usually, helps quell violence and wipes out any sense of grievance that may remain in the hearts of those affected by election irregularities.

Most of these conditions could be fulfilled to the degree to which law enforcement agencies and government officials enjoy a degree of autonomy. This is the reason why the full implementation of the 17th Amendment to the constitution becomes an imperative duty.

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