People in Indian capital New Delhi came out in millions to exercise their right to vote in provincial elections held on 4th November 2013. Majority of the voters were young boys and girls who had attained the age to vote. Many voters were sent back home before they could even enter the polling stations. Not because their names were not found in the voters’ lists but because they were carrying their cellphones with them.
It was publicly announced by the Indian election commission that cellphones will not be allowed inside polling booths to ensure transparency and fairness in the elections. All those voters who brought their cellphones along were denied entry inside polling booths. They were asked to go and keep their cellphones at home and come later to cast their votes.
This is how government and institutions in democratic countries make and enforce their laws. After all, it’s the supremacy of law that strengthens democracy. Is Election Commission in Pakistan taking any lessons from the neighbour’s? It is high time they did.
M RAFIQUE ZAKARI
Karachi
