EC to minimise risks during poll

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By PISAI GUMAR
THE Electoral Commission is looking at ways to minimise “risks” related to general elections and it needs funding to properly prepare for next year’s polls, says commissioner Patilias Gamato.
Gamato (pictured) said funding remained the most critical issue to allow proper planning and preparation.
“Of the allocation (K10 million) this year, six months was wasted due to no release of warrants – a high risk area,” he said.
The common roll update requires K63 million but only K10 million was given of which K7.7 million will be distributed to provinces to conduct the update.
“Timing and funding are two fundamental issues which require the Government to take seriously as a priority,” Gamato said.
He said the six election risks were funding, election-related violence, fraud by officials, commitment by the provincial election steering committee, election materials and polling areas.
Next year’s election theme is “your choice protects our democracy”.
“This means the persons who people elect as their leaders must believe in fairness, equality, social justice and freedom as they all reflect democracy,” Gamato said.
He said the Highlands provinces were noted for election-related violence.
“The election process is a public system and cannot be hijacked by individual candidates or supporters, hence security will be heightened to prevent manipulations,” Gamato said. The general election will be held in June.