Daily Times

Sir: The 2018 general elections are going to be held on July 25. Therefore, the interim government should ensure maximum voter participation through the provision of voter education.

All the people, especially women and the youth are ready to actively participate in the electoral process. However,because a large chunk of the population resides in remote and backward areas, there are many people who lack basic information about voting procedures. They do not know how to vote, how to register, where to vote and so on so forth.

Common men and women from the rural areas remain reluctant about participating in elections due to rampant illiteracy as well as certain traditions. The depressing fact is that they are also oblivious to the power of their vote.

Therefore, voter education campaigns must be carried out in the country’s most backwards and remote areas. This will just be a short term measure. In the long term, quality education must be imparted to make the population more politically aware. Women and the youth should also be encouraged to take part in the elections.

The youth and women comprise more than half of Pakistan’s population, thus their participation and inclusion in the electoral process is necessary for sustainable development and the socio-economic stability of Pakistan.

ASSAD ALI BALOCH

Dadu

Published in Daily Times, July 3^rd 2018.