Importance of right to vote highlighted

CHITRAL, May 3: Speakers at a seminar here on Friday highlighted the importance of the right to vote and better participation of all segments of society in the upcoming general elections. They said that elections are the essence of democracy in which people elect their representatives for five years. The seminar was organized by the South Asia Partnership Pakistan (SAPP) in collaboration with the local support organizations – RCD Chitral, AVDP, BLSO, YSDO – in connection with the elections 2013. The objectives of the seminar were democracy, elections, right to vote and participation of women, religious minorities and illiterate people in the election. The speakers said the right to vote is the fundamental right of every citizen of Pakistan and this right is dully enshrined in the constitution of the country. In the past in various parts of the country women were forcefully debarred from casting their votes but now due to timely legislation this act has been declared a crime. Moreover, an ideal environment is not provided to religious minorities to make sure their better participation in the electoral process they added. The speakers said time had come that all stakeholders in the society should come forward and contribute their part in making the electoral process a success. Those who spoke on the occasion included Abdul Majeed, Muhkamuddin, Sanam Chitrali, Mirdola Jan, Khadija Sardar, Haji Akbar, Qazi Sajad Advocate, Wazir Zada Kalash, Nasrin Bibi, Afsar Jan, Alamzeb Advocate and Taimur Shah.]]>