UN Representative Shoko Noda has stated that all voices of the public need to be heard in order to facilitate proper development and societal harmony.
Noda made the statement speaking in the ceremony held to launch the five year strategic plan of the Elections Commission held today in Islamic Centre.
Noda said that transparency was critical, especially on elections spending and vote buying. The Representative also said that the youth had to be more aware, noting that the plan had addressed many of the issues that had been noted.
Noda said that independent and free elections were part and parcel of democracy and one that protected the rights of the voters. Noda noted that the Commission, since its inception in 2008, the Commission had worked to fulfill its legal mandate.
“When we look at the election of 2013, 90 percent of population voted. The number of women of contesting for public office is low. Women constituted for 8 percent of contestants in the local council elections and Parliament elections,” Noda said.
Noda added that women were extremely successful as campaign managers and those women will make excellent candidates. Noda also noted that the women filling senior positions in political parties were minimal.
Noda said that the number of voters casting their ballots in the local council and women’s committee elections were low compared to the Presidential and Parliament elections.
“However, the local councils and women’s committees were essential in direct service to the public, especially for smaller populations.
Noda added that discussions between the political parties and candidates for resolving electoral conflicts had been included in the strategic plan. Noda stressed that it was vital that the EC and stakeholders worked in unison to make the plan a success.