Maravi

Finnish Ambassador urges Zambians to register, vote

Finnish Ambassador urges Zambians to register, vote
By Kabanda Chulu in Kitwe
Wed 13 Oct. 2010, 04:40 CAT

FINNISH Ambassador to Zambia Sinikka Antila has said democracy is meaningless without the full participation of all citizens in the country’s democratic processes.

Officially opening a seminar on Monday aimed at assisting deaf citizens to fully participate in the electoral processes, Ambassador Antila said it was important to understand that elections were not only about elections day.

“It is a process, and this process contains elements directly linked to elections like registration and voting but also elements like educating oneself of the principles of democracy, reading political parties’ manifestos and different newspapers, listening to political debates and party leaders’ statements.

All this should lead to an informed and enthusiastic voter casting his or her vote to a candidate of his or her own preference,” Ambassador Antila said.

“Hence, enhancing the possibilities of all to participate in the elections is paramount because elections become meaningless without full participation and the credibility of a democracy is dependent on the participation of its citizens in the democratic processes such as elections.”

She advised that voters should be prepared and encouraged to participate in the elections in an informed and rightful manner.

“Regardless of their level of education, their social status, their sex, ability or disability... it is important to fight voter apathy amongst young first-time voters as well as experienced voters,” said Ambassador Antila.

“And it is important that citizens know why they should cast their votes, what their rights and responsibilities as well as those of the elected representatives. This is why voter education is needed.”

And St John’s Anglican Seminary Rector Bishop John Osmers said it was important that all citizens be able to take part in elections.

“Because elections are so important, being the means of creating government responsible to the people and a necessary means of ensuring peace and stability in the nation,” said Bishop Osmers.

And Zambia Deaf Youth and Women director Frankson Musukwa said the objectives of the workshop were to increase deaf persons’ participation and opportunities in the electoral processes.

Labels: AMBASSADOR, FINLAND, SINIKKA ANTILA, VOTER REGISTRATION

posted by MrK @ 4:03 PM