The biggest challenge is a level playing field for transparent elections to be conducted

Dec 18, 2019 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

According to media reports, nineteen political parties have submitted their symbols for the March 2, 2020 General and Regional elections.
I stand corrected, but I think this is the first time in our political history that so many parties have indicated an interest in a national poll.
One possible explanation is the lure of oil and the desire to exert some influence on policy articulation and governance of this emerging sector. And while nothing is inherently wrong with individuals and parties wishing to contribute to the national discourse, the field does appear somewhat crowded, with some parties having no apparent structure or support base.
The true test of political viability will be on January 10, 2020, when parties will be asked to submit their List of Candidates based on statutory requirements, which could prove challenging for several of the new parties.
The above notwithstanding, the principle of ‘the more the merrier’ is a welcome development in the context of our multi-party democracy. It broadens democratic choices and allows for individuals and groups to, as it were, test the political waters.
The biggest challenge is for the authorities, more particularly GECOM, to provide a level playing field for the elections to be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner reflective of the voting preferences of the electorate.
Hydar Ally

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