‘Stop agitations for new register’

Agitations by the opposition political parties for a new voters register are not just uncalled for but are creating unnecessary tension in the country.

Those of us who are floating voters do not appreciate the pressure being mounted on the Electoral Commissioner (EC) and the government to provide a new register for the 2016 general election at all cost.

In my opinion, it is not the register that wins elections but rather the appealing and workable alternatives that an opposition party can convincingly offer the electorate that determine who wins or loses an election

In view of this, the undue pressure that is being mounted on the EC for a new register is unwarranted.
In any case the huge cost that the government is likely to incur in the preparation of a new register can go a long way to provide basic but important amenities for those in

deprived communities

The provision of basic needs for those in the rural communities is what convinces them to vote in a particular manner and not the ‘big English’ that politicians in the big city speak The provision of potable water, good road networks, healthcare, schools, among others are the things that shape voters’ opinion.

I will like to admonish our opposition parties to go back to the drawing board and strategise on how best to sell their ideas to the voting public.

Instead of disturbing our ears consistently with the call for a new register, they should rather use their time to sell their alternatives to the voting public if in their opinion, the policies of the government in power are not meeting the aspirations of the citizens.