Lessons Learnt From BMC Elections
Responses Compiled
S.No | Response | Remarks | |
1 | The elections to the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai and 10 other civic bodies in Maharashtra have been concluded yesterday, and the process of counting of votes and results will be completed today.
Whatever the outcome, it has been agreed across the board that this was one Municipal election that witnessed increased discussion, debate and scrutiny by the media, as well as increased involvement and participation by civil society groups, whether in voicing their concerns, preparing a manifesto of demands, putting up a candidate, or encouraging people to vote. With Municipal elections coming up soon in several other cities in India, such as Delhi and Bangalore, it would be a valuable to share the learnings of the civic elections in Mumbai, so as to enable other cities to benefit from these, as well as for Mumbai itself to better it’s own track record. Do write in with your experiences, observations, suggestions, etc. We will collate and circulate the same to concerned authorities.
An example — profiles of each candidate should be displayed on a government website.
Regards, Vinay www.karmayog.org — for civic issues and social causes
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2 | From: Subrahmanyam P
That is what we talk on telivision, in drawing rooms and in glass houses about use of voting rights has got NO TAKERS! They continue to show disrespect and suffer the consequneces!
The media is there to profit from the discussions – like Kaun Banega Karor Pati – but who ands how one can take the message and insert into the brains of these middle class or upper middle class people is the million dollor question.
Unless UNLESS the percentage is increased the elestions are not elections.
Subrahmnayma
PS : any how I am happy that congress is getting its right place!
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3 | From: “k c” <ksglobalintel@…>
Dear Vinay,
Thank for giving me this opportunity of expression in this regard
India is a beautiful country. It is time we got serious about looking after it as our most precious asset. Our future generations depend upon this.
We have to stop division amongst ourselves on the basis of religion, caste and the like We need to stop littering around irresponsibly We need to save every drop of water we can, save as much paper and electricity we can, save money and time No one should be above the law no matter what his financial / political / infulance background is. Courts should move faster with cases. We should stop corruption at all levels We need to have a online complaint and solution website We should go online in all respects We need to discern hard as to who should be elected to any responsible government body. The canidates and his party’s profile relating to educational qualifications, public works, criminal records, assets and such important factors should be displayed. This should be available online.
In short lets be more professional in handling all maters that in turn will reflect our BELOVED MOTHERLAND INDIA
Regards, Keith Carvalho |
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4 | From: Diptesh Shah
One immediate reaction – arising from reaching the polling booth early in the morning & realsing that my son’s & my names do not figure on the poll lists.
Although I did vote in the previous elections (thereby proving that my name was there) and that I have a Voter ID Card issued to me, it was inexplicable that my name was not there.
When my son attained majority age a year & a half ago, we completed all formalities for registering him as a voter – but even his name is absent from the list.
Also, there are large number of spelling errors in practically all fields of the polling list- building name, person’s name / surname, etc. The same building also appears twice in the list !
Worst, there is no system / mechanism to resolve such situations.
Learning – do not sit pretty & assume that your name’s there and you could just walk in & exercise your franchise. Make an effort to check & recheck your details in the list & do the needful if rectification is needed. I know it shall be an extremely painful task – but one’s duty as a citizen overrides such headaches.
Rgds
Diptesh Shah
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5 | From: a d
One lesson from this is that inspite of all the publicities given against SS/BJP by NDTV, the opposite happened. It is good that the manipulation is coming to nought. Hopefully the trend will continue. |
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6 | Hi Vinay,
I really do agree that the profile of each candidate should be displayed on the government website. In addition to this, it will be nice if a brief description of what the candidate has done for the ward is also displayed. This information should also be displayed in or outside the polling booth for people to be able to have a look at just before going for polls.
I faced a lot of difficulty in finding my name in the polling booth and I am sure it must be a common problem across. There should definitely be some other better way of doing the same.
I am not sure how feasible this is – I was not sure of a single candidate in my area and did not want to vote for any of them. But there was no option to voice my opinion..
Regards, Preeti
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7 | From: “Keshav Acharya” <keshavacharya@…>
The results of the BMC are coming in. I learn from the resounding victory of the Hindutva forces that though this was a civic election, voters know that if India is safe then only our civic society is safe.
Bomb blasts in Mumbai took place because India govt at the Centre is sympathetic with terrorists to strengthen its vote bank. The govt at the Centre abolished POTA and now is refusing to hang the nation’s enemy Mohamed Afzal. The govt of India gave Padmashri to explosive communalist Teesta Setavad, who had opposed combing operation by the police to find the Pakistani terrorists and their local supporters, after the 11/7. Another award on the Republic day was given to Mushirul Hasan, former Vice Chancellor of the AMU, who had written in his regular column in the IE that Bhagat Singh was a terrorist.This was naturally intended to dilute the people’s anger against the present terrorists supported by the ISI of Pakistan.
If the govt continues its policy of divide and rule, it will either collapse or not get another term in 2009.
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8 | From: mohan siroya
As usual, my experience was far from happy. First, my and my family members names were to be shifted to some other booth but in the same ward, due to change of address, which was not done by the election commission while revising the electoral roll. In or about middle of June 2005, in response to their call to approach the locality post office for making any change in the rolls, I had submitted the necessary form with proof at the J B Nagar Post office ,who had confirmed that they have forwarded the papers to the concernd authority to effect the change. Apparently, the elction commission’s office has ignored this, causing us much inconvenience to go go to our old voting place. Secondly, inspite of the media blitzkerg and public awareness about the right of protest vote under sec. 49 O of the election rules, and sadly so , the election staff on duty, especially the polling officer of the booth was neither English literate nor having any knowledge asto what this “Protest Vote” is . I had a hard time to make them aware with the reading of the relevant rule, to make the polling officer (SHE) agree to record my “Refusal to vote” any candidate, after the EVM was activated and then take my signature on the noting. We request the election commissioner to depute at least the POLLING OFFICER with adequate knowledge of English and the training about election rules. In view of a large percentage of voters having delined to caste vote after reactivation of EVM for want of any “Desrving candidte”, it’s high time that in the EVM ,a clear option as added for voting “NONE IS SUITABLE”. That will also force the political parties to reject the candidatatures with murky background or non-performers. and lastly, to motivate larger number of citizens to vote, let there be a RIGHT TO RECALL so that the voters don’t find themslves HELPLESS to bear with the NON-PERFORMER for full 5 years. Mohan Siroya
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9 | From: S. D. Israni
Dear Vinay,
Thanks for your mail. Thanks to you and your team members for all the efforts.
While it was heartening to note that there was greater discussion and debate, but in the end large number of citizens have failed in their primary duty. The polling figure, with all the hype and discussion and complaints, should have been atleast 60/65%. Some my observations are as under: Party based elections should not be permitted in Local elections. After all no Cabinet is going to be appointed by the Corporators. So why permit parties to mess around with the city. The most committed and sincere workers / candidates, irrespective of their political affiliations, should be elected by the citizens. Hence, party based elections should be abolished at the Municipal level. While fixing the Election date, the Election Commission should keep in view the week preceding the election date. Too many holidays in that week could hamper the election campaign of the candidates. It can also affect the voting. Particulars of all the candidates, ward wise, should be available on a special site created by the Election Commission. Each candidate should undertake to have a personal site after winning the election. Perhaps, the cost can be borne by the Government. Each candidate should declare in advance the days and timings for members of the public to meet them without appointment after they win the election. Regular review reports by elected members to be put on the site.( these could be half –yearly or yearly). Election Commission should provide voter’s slip to each and every voter, giving the relevant particulars. Today, some voters like the undersigned received four slips from as many candidates, while some voters did not receive at all. Moreover, Independent candidates cannot afford the cost and effort involved in issuing voter slips. Besides, there is no need for duplication. This will save valuable resources and also save the cost for the candidates. It will also provide a level field for all the candidates. More aggressive citizen awareness programs will have to be conducted at all levels. Citizens have to be made to realise that mere complaining and grumbling will not solve the problems. In fact, not voting is a recipe for making it easy for undesirable candidates to get elected.
These are some of my humble, off the cuff, observations.
Regards,
S.D.Israni
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10 | Dear Vinay,
The platform provided by you gives an opportunity to all to think deeply on subjects that need deep thoughts and prompt and just actions. The message by Shri. S.D.Israni says most of the things that were boggling in my mind except one thing.
The efforts made by Juhu citizens Forum brought fruits and Mr. Adolf D’Souza, a candidate patronized by the forum and supported by Loksatta and vote mumbai movement was elected defeating the Congress Party candidate. We need a few more such corporators in the Municipal house.
Our efforts are still lacking, I should say, as even after so much cry only 47 percent mumbaikars came out to cast their votes.
Now we have to start pointing out the needs and urgent requirements of various areas and see that the elecetd corporators work for provideing civic services to their respective wards.
Regular checks should be kept on illegal activities and vililant committees be formed comprising of those who have lost in the elections. This shall help everyone to get better services and value for the money spent by the municipality on various projects.
I shall prefer to keep my eyes on this and hope the activists and members of various NGOs who were active during the election time, keep the same tempo and carry on their duty with the same zeal.
Once again my compliments to you and the team assisting you to manage this group.
With Regards,
Vitthal Dempo
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11 | From: “Atul Kumthekar” <akumthek@…>
so are u ready to take action next time?
if we have accepted lokashaahi as the way of governence the only way one can impact it is by contesting it and winning it – just be critique and comments – u will always be at place number two.
the real problem lies there.
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12 | From: captainjohann samuhanand
Dear vinay, You have evolved a consensus about profile of corporators.I am unable to understand the use.They all got elected because of one single man – Mr.Bal Thackeray.We are a feudal society and continue to vote on caste,religion basis. The merit or demerits(according to you) has no meaning. But it has one important lesson, the insecurity of the majority about worldwide Jehadism and for ordinary mumbaiker the voice of Mr.Thackeray represents the voice of Mumbai whether the chatterati class(who do not vote) likes him or not. 1993 blasts, 2006 train blasts are more important issues than the flooding, roads,corruption etc. to an ordinary mumbaiker and Mr.Thakeray epitomised this for him. CAPTAIN JOHANN SAMUHANAND , ,S/3, A/BLOCK, SHANTINIKETAN APPTS, AREKERE, BANNERGATTA ROAD, BANGALORE 560076. INDIA. 91 080 26591615 http://www.namiindia.com
[Then that’s a useful learning. Even the media had not realised that. vinay]
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13 | From: pervin
What I learned from Karmayog was to give a “No Vote” , to show my disapproval of the candidates that stood for election.
PR Mehta.
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14 | From: “Carol Andrade”
The Shiv Sena is back, having received an endorsement, it would appear, to continue their rape and pillage of Mumbai, I talked to any number of people, acquaintances and strangers, on voting day, and was dismayed to find so many had not voted. Most cited other engagements, work, etc, as the reason. I think it should be mandatory for everyone to vote. I also think employers should be held accountable if they do not give employees reasonable time off to exercise their franchise.
I also think that the middle class should take upon themselves the onus of doing the house-to-house calling. I have noticed that they are well-received by the poor and have easier access to the rich.
Carol Andrade
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15 | Hi Vinay!
I watched the results on TV. Some queries for you: 1. Are you satisfied with the results? 2. Did it measure up to your expectations? 3. Are you satisfied with the efforts put up by Karmayog? 4. Do you think that the new crop of corporators will do a better job in administering Mumbai and reducing its current problems? 5. What can you do to work smarter the next time and better the results? 6. What can you do the ensure that the various groups that you helped set up throughout Mumbai will work daily / weekly with the newly elected corporators to ensure better and smarted planning to reduce the myriad problems that Mumbai faced during the last 2-3 years? WRegards.
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16 | Thanks Vinay
My learnings from this election are that most of us do not know what are the duties of corporator, what are the duties of MLA and what are the duties of MP. One of the film star was saying after the vote that Worli sea link should be completed. Now is it the duty of BMC to complete? In one TV show, one of the so called intellectuals was asking the plan to remove illegal hawkers. Now if anybody takes action against them, will all channels, all NGO;s,all political parties support that? Do nthese intellectuals feel that the problems that they face are the only problems of this city? I think the first thing that all those intellectuals who travel by car and that to driven by their driver should first see whether their driver is following all traffic rules? Does he park vehicle properly? If you want to see arrogance of these drivers, see near Kala Niketan Juhu or near any school or in the market. How many times they spit on the road?Their bosses also do that with pride. We will remember cleaning of gutters only in the month of May. How many times they themselves throw mineral water bottles,tins etc. in the gutters? What about the dogs? Many people are now displaying their love towards animals by giving them biscuits, bread in which the main intention is publicity. MMRDA should be made more accountable about their work going on everywhere. Regards Rajesh Deo
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17 | Dear Mr Vinay,
I fully agree with Mr Vitthal Dempo. We need more public participation in the civic and governance matters and better vigilance only then can we create more “Adolf D’Souzas” all over Mumbai.
Regards.
G R Vora ========
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE, IF WE CARE.
G R Vora Plot – 275/3, Gope Nivas, Sion E, Mumbai-22. Ph – (022) 24091193 / 9869 195785
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18 | Yes, I agree with Mr. Dempo that best solution is to field a worthy ,
trusted candidate of people’s choice, then even the public will be interested in voting, thus helping to elect a suitable person with integrity. At least this is a possibiliuty at the local elections.
Nalini Chhugani Nepeansea Road,
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19 | Our name was removed from the voters list where we were staying
earlier, and have shifted to our new place. Along with our name, we had made the request to include our son’s name at the same time , since he became eligable for vote. But to our surpirse, our name was not in the new list, even in the last election. we are not sure how we could include our name now ? the process is so difficult and not near to our place.?
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20 | From: “Ashok Chowgule” <ashokvc@…>
Re: your opinion reg. BMC elections is important
It would be interesting to do an analysis of the ratings given by ADR and the winning candidates. Also, what are the parameters used by ADR to do the rating, and how many marks were alloted to each? Is this available anywhere on the net?
Re question 3. There is a presumption that votes were bought. I would be interested in knowing the facts of the matter, and who is guilty of it. Also, how rampant was it. (No one offered to buy my vote. 😉 )
Namaste. Ashok Chowgule
[At least one person phoned and told how slum dwellers votes were bought for Rs. 2000 each in Worli. What will you do with the info? We will then ask the person to contact you.]
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21 | politicans r smartest people on this earth that is the
reason they r rulers. they know whose vote to purchase. they will always approach slum dewellers who r poor, as weel as illiterate. politicans will never make mistake of approaching a educated well off person whose number is also small in society and will not be worth approching.
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22 | From: GB Luthria
Re: your opinion reg. BMC elections is important
Replies below 1. If you did not vote in the BMC Elections, why? What would have made you personally vote?
2. What all can be done to get people to vote? A. All must be made to vote, if they do not like any, all candidates they can put a blank vote.otherwise they must pay a fine. After all voting system cost people crores. This should be made a social responsibility.
3. What action should be taken to prevent buying of votes?
4. What are you complaints or suggestions regarding: – manifestos – are they realistic; how to hold parties to account? – election code of conduct, time schedule, fairness, etc.? – candidate’s profiles, details, etc? – voter’s list accuracy, registration, easy access, etc? No comments. There should be special arrangement for voting of Senior Citizens and sick persons. My mother, 95 years had to go to 1st floor to vote, many had to go to 2nd floor in the school. Luthria G B
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23 | From: Satyan S. Israni
Re: your opinion reg. BMC elections is important
1. If you did not vote in the BMC Elections, why? What would have made you personally vote? i have voted. 2. What all can be done to get people to vote? people should be made to feel more responsible for the outcome. this apathy of the voters is disgusting. we just have an armchair critic attitude where we criticize the politics but will not even move our backside to go and cast a vote. further, the voter registration process should be even more simplified. it is not so easy at the moment. 3. What action should be taken to prevent buying of votes? that unfortunately is not an easy task. i think it would help if literacy and employment improves then the overall scenario will improve. 4. What are you complaints or suggestions regarding: – manifestos – are they realistic; how to hold parties to account? – election code of conduct, time schedule, fairness, etc.? – candidate’s profiles, details, etc? – voter’s list accuracy, registration, easy access, etc?
most often manifestos are never realistic. however, all that the janta want is that the persons elected are committed to their electorate. unfortunately that is never the case. if each candidate who has been elected looks after his electorate then there would be no cause for concern.. parties should be made to give a quarterly report about the progress they have achieved so far as per their manifesto like how listed companies do.. so far only these things come to my mind..
thanks
satyan s. israni advocate
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24 | From: sureshbathija
RE: your opinion reg. BMC elections is important
Answers in Blue. Subject: your opinion reg. BMC elections is important
Your response is important as it can help to improve the election process in India: 1. If you did not vote in the BMC Elections, why? What would have made you personally vote? [Suresh Bathijaa,] I voted.
2. What all can be done to get people to vote? [Suresh Bathijaa,] once people have confidence that their views are acted upon, then maybe they will come forward.
3. What action should be taken to prevent buying of votes? [Suresh Bathijaa,] difficult to say at present.
4. What are you complaints or suggestions regarding: – manifestos – are they realistic; how to hold parties to account?[ Suresh Bathijaa,] hopeful (as always) expose their lapses and ensure that next time around they cannot contest those seats where they have failed the voters. – election code of conduct, time schedule, fairness, etc.? [Suresh Bathijaa,] no comment. – candidate’s profiles, details, etc? [Suresh Bathijaa,] should be highlighted so that voters are aware of the doings of their candidates. – voter’s list accuracy, registration, easy access, etc? [Suresh Bathijaa,] no comment.
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25 | From: suraj prasad
Subject: Re: your opinion reg. BMC elections is important Rules For Contesting In Indian Elections Of Any Level:- •One should be PAN card holder. Rules For Voting In Indian Elections Of Any Level:- •One should be PAN card holder.
Truely, Federal Indian Republic should be setup to control many of our current problems:- 1.”Federal Republic of India” should be formed of constituent “Autonomous States” and ” Autonomous Republics (Kashmir & Nagaland / Nagalim)”. 2.The Rajyasabha (upper house) of Parliament should be formed only by the representatives (M.Ps) sent by the constituent ” Autonomous States” and “Autonomous Republics” in equal numbers of 2 after electing them by their Legislative Assemblies. 3.For any bill to be passed in Indian Parliament it should be approved by at least 2/3rd M.Ps in both Loksabha (lower house) and Rajyasabha (upper house) and for constitution change the ratio should be 3/4th required. 4.Unicameral Legislative Assemblies shall remain in each of the “Autonomous States” and ” Autonomous Republics” where the people of each state shall elect their M.LAs and for passing a bill approval of 2/3rd M.LAs shall be required. 5.The domestic borders of the Autonomous States and international and domestic borders of Autonomous Republics can not be altered by the Federal Government at the centre without prior permission of the affecting states or republics respectively. 6.Concurrent list subjects of the constitution should be wholly passed to the Autonomous Republics. 7.Dual citizenship one of the Country and the other of the State or Republic in which the person was born should be applied in India. 8.The excise duties should be levied by Federal Government but collected and appropriated by the Autonomous States and Autonomous Republics. 9.Compulsory school education for BPL students and government healthcare for BPL patients should be free. 10.Technical service Education should be promoted by all as an alternative source of livelihood to industries of polluting nature.
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26 | From: BR.Venkatesh@Portlandoutdoor.com
Re: your opinion reg. BMC elections is important 1. If you did not vote in the BMC Elections, why? What would have made you personally vote? 2. What all can be done to get people to vote? Somewhere we have lost focus completely – we all think voting in the election makes a difference. More importantly a complete boycott is the answer to set right thing. The famous hindi KAHAWAT – ” ANDHON ME KANA RAJA” – that is the kind of approach we are currently in. 3. What action should be taken to prevent buying of votes? – sting operations are the answer – catch these people red handed. 4. What are you complaints or suggestions regarding: – The moment we start behaving properly then only we can ask some other to behave practice and preach.
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27 | On the eve of election, go to any big slum in any part
of mumbai. u can see what is happening over there. what activities r going on. who is moving. who is approaching. surly our inteligence must be having complete idea, but some how things r taken for granted by everyone. they r all big fish so no one dares to take action. even as a stranger, u will not be tolerated at such places.
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28 | From: Uday Kulkarni
RE: your opinion reg. BMC elections is important
Dear Vinay,
Thanks for your several questions?
First of all basic principals, fundamentals, thoughts have been damaged specially in Mumbai.
We need to process, identification of each person who stays in Mumbai. (Including minors) All peoples must carry identification card with them 24 hours a day.
So that unwanted outsiders will not enter in the Mumbai and existing problems can be reduced.
Politicians are interested only in this type of mob (outsiders) and manage to get vote by several ways.
Regards,
Uday Kulkarni
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29 | From: “Nalini Chugani” <nalinichugani@…>
RE: your opinion reg. BMC elections is important
I did vote. Many people in my building did not want to vote as they didn’t find any candidate to be worthy. They are disappointed with the political parties, there was only one independent candidate in my constituency No. 214, and he was totally unknown.
Mumbai Mirror printed the ratings for candidates, but we did not know if they have worked for the people they claim to represent. What have they acheived so far or how have they served the public ?
I believe that for local elections, the political parties should not contest. It should be only the persons who have served the public in the past. People who understand the needs of their constituency and have geniune concern for public welfare.
The party manifestoes were not realistic, they should hold meetings with constituency residents and then write the manifestoes. These promises should be time bound, every year, there should be a report of the work completed.
Buying of votes is a natural offshoot of prevalent corrupt practices. If people are informed about antecedents of each candidate including their social service record, atleast there is a hope that they will make an informed choice.
voting should be scheduled in middle of the week, not close to weekend.
Nalini Chhugani 9819649930 Nepeansea Road, Mumbai.
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30 | From: Nandan Maluste
Re: your opinion reg. BMC elections is important
My replies below. 1. If you did not vote in the BMC Elections, why? What would have made you personally vote?
I voted. Because I always vote.
2. What all can be done to get people to vote? Make voter registration easier, more transparent Make voting process simpler for middle class: as a radical idea, if we can manipulate our bank accounts over the internet, why can we not vote over the net? Demonstrate that good candidates can win Demonstrate that good candidates can make a difference to our lives. Have smaller constituencies. Have more personalised communications. 3. What action should be taken to prevent buying of votes?
If individuals believe that their votes can improve their lives, they will not sell.
4. What are you complaints or suggestions regarding: – manifestos – are they realistic; how to hold parties to account?
Smaller conctituencies would enable local area citizen groups to engage.
– election code of conduct, time schedule, fairness, etc.?
Seem ok.
– candidate’s profiles, details, etc?
Not sufficiently communicated. No personal contact
– voter’s list accuracy, registration, easy access, etc?
Would help if available on net. Ideally, should be corrected thereon.
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