Daily Times

Sir: On the one hand, it is heartening that many people, particularly the youth and women, came out and exercised their right to vote for the first time, in the recent general elections. On the other, it is disappointing when we come to know that only 50.85 percent voters participated in the democratic process, out of the 10.5 billion registered voters in this country. The latest voter turnout figure stands at almost fifty percent, which is abysmally low when compared to the 55.02 percent voter turnout in the 2013 general elections.

The major reasons behind this dismal figure can be attributed to low CNIC registrations, far and unreachable polling stations, lack of political awareness and interest, illiteracy, traditional norms and so on. Therefore, first of all, the government should ensure that all the Pakistanis above the age of 18 are registered by NADRA and possess CNICs. Secondly, the Election Commission of Pakistan has to ensure that, for next general elections, citizens are able to vote in the area where they live in.

Lastly, ECP should recruit volunteers to disseminate political awareness amongst people so that the common man can develop their interest for participating in democratic practices as well.

ASSAD ALI BALOCH

Dadu

Published in Daily Times, August 2^nd 2018.