Towards a peaceful election

The election campaign ends at midnight today. With it all campaigning, canvassing, meetings etc. should cease. The Elections Commissioner has called it the period of silence.

There is logic behind this silence or the nonagathe. It is to calm down the emotions and tensions that were generated by the heat of the campaign. The current election campaign has been one of the most hectic, most tense in recent times. As a result a keen contest could be witnessed next Tuesday when the voters go to the polls.

The last leg of the campaign, unfortunately was marred by several ugly incidents of violence, including a few murders. However, on the whole the campaign was largely peaceful. Violence was marked not by their preponderance but by the minimal nature of violence involved. Further, the parties used to complain even on flimsy grounds for it would add to the total complaints against the opponent so as to create an impression that the opponent is breaking the law.

Whatever it is violence should have no place in a democratic election. The silent period now offers a chance to cool down the emotions and prepare the environment for a free and fair poll.

As mentioned previously in this column the violence associated with the elections is part of the culture of violence that has engrossed our society following the escalation of the civil conflict that ended last May. To it was added the enormous powers enjoyed by the politicians ever since the politicizing of all aspects of civil society during the past few decades. The breakdown of law and order, the growth of the criminal underworld with its links to the politicos was a direct result of that politicizing.

The present administration did take several meaningful measures to control the underworld and clean the society of vices such as the use of drugs. These measures together with the end of the civil conflict have actually improved the law and order situation. Even in the case of election related violence police have been prompt in taking action. The alleged perpetrators of some of the election related murders are already in custody.

The Police have already removed a considerable number of posters, banners, cut-outs and other display material and have pledged to remove the balance by today's end.

The contestants, parties fielding or supporting them should assist the police by observing the law as regards propaganda work. They could specifically refrain from taking out processions, demonstrations and contain the unruly elements among their followers.

There is nothing to gain for any candidate by engaging in violence. If the silent period could be observed satisfactorily it would create an atmosphere for the voters to go to the polling booths without apprehensions.

Since there were disturbing news about attempts to rig the election by corrupt means as impersonations, stuffing ballot boxes etc. vigilance of the people is very important. It is also necessary to thwart any attempts by undesirable elements to rob polls cards and identity documents or prevent voters exercising their suffrage through intimidation.

As the campaign ends we could see in retrospect that it had been by and large fair. Though the policies of the contestants were less highlighted than their achievements and shortcomings it helped the public to arrive at an informed decision as to how they should vote.

We appeal to all political parties, candidates, their supporters not to give in to provocation and assist the law enforcing officers in maintaining law and order till the polls are closed and results announced officially.

They should also desist from spreading or falling prey to rumours for the aim of the rumour mongers is to prevent the free exercise of their suffrage by the people and destablize the society.

Observing calm, vigilance and law and order would ensure the optimal conditions for free and fair elections. It is the only way to guarantee stability, peace and development for our country.