Dear Editor,
Reports suggest that between 16 and 28 parties submitted a symbol and a name to contest the September 1 election. GECOM informed that they will be notified about acceptance of the symbol around July 1. The dominant parties have retained their symbol. The parties will have until July 15 to submit nominations, lists, signatures, Presidential candidates, head of list, etc., to qualify for the ballot. Is two weeks enough? The larger parties like PPP and APNU can meet the deadline. Can AFC and other small or minor parties meet the requirements in two weeks? It is doubtful.
To get on the ballot, a party must contest at least six regions. It must submit nomination forms with at least 40 top up candidates on the national list and a number of candidates for the geographic lists that could number between 1 and 7 candidates depending on size of region. Region 4 is seven seats. Parties were known to submit lists larger than the number of geographical seats in each region as well as the top up seats. It is a challenging task to get candidates to submit on the forms as well as to sign the nomination form.
It is rather doubtful that the minor parties, except WIN and AFC, can be able to quickly meet the requirements. It will be a major achievement if any of other small party is able to submit nomination forms that meet eligibility criteria. The system is disadvantaged against the small parties. And why RoPA does not allow a person who wishes to contest as an independent? That act is unconstitutional as it violates the fundamental rights of an individual to seek elective office.
Vishnu Bisram