President urges maximum participation of masses in electoral process

      ISLAMABAD, Oct 16 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari has urged
the people to cast their votes as a national duty and asked
political parties, civil society, media and other stakeholders to
ensure maximum their participation in the electoral process.
      He said in a message on the first National Voters Day;
initiated to raise awareness among the people about the importance
of casting vote and to make the elections truly reflective of the
will of the people.
      The President called upon the people to come out and to cast
their votes -- not merely as a matter of personal right but as a
national duty.
      "If fair and free elections lie at the root of genuine
transfer of power, error-free voters lists and maximum participation
of the people lie at the root of free and fair polls," the President
said.
      He said while the ECP was ensuring error-free voters lists, it
was also the responsibility of the political parties, civil society,
media and other stakeholders to ensure maximum participation.
      He said it was important that they also help raise awareness
about the importance of voting in the democratic process.
      The President said special efforts were also needed for
ensuring maximum participation of the women, minorities, and those
suffering from disabilities to participate in the voting process.
      The President said better participation of voters in the
electoral process was the most effective way to empower them, hold
public representatives accountable and to pressurise them to
deliver.
      "I wish to commend the Election Commission of Pakistan for
this initiative highlighting the important role of a voter in the
democratic process," the President said.
      He said the importance of every eligible citizen to be
registered as a voter cannot be overemphasized and added that not
registering as a voter means abandoning the right to vote.
      President Zardari said the ECP has prepared electoral rolls
that link voters' registration with the National Identity Card (NIC)
issued by NADRA.
      The President termed it a highly commendable move and said it
would not only ensure maximum registration of voters but also
eliminate chances of double or fake registration of voters that have
marred past electoral processes.
      President Zardari also noted the use of latest technology by
the ECP to facilitate voters to check their registration status and
appreciated the instant voter confirmation service through the SMS.
      He also noted that the ECP has also kept its offices open
every day of the week to facilitate voters who may wish to vote in
a place other than the one where he is currently registered as
voter.
      He said the citizens and political parties should make full
use of these new facilities.