The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has been trying to encourage eligible citizens to register for the 2009 election. It even extended voter registration, in an effort to get as many voters as possible. The IEC has been working hard to combat voter apathy, and it seems to have succeeded since the number of registered voters shot up to 723,617, a huge increase from the 2004 numbers. The IEC has been engaged in voter education, intended to show citizens the importance of participating in elections. It is against this background that we urge all those who registered for elections to complete the process and head to the polling stations to vote. Voting is not just about picking an individual because you like them or because of blood relations. It should be a conscious decision based on the conviction of the voter and the capabilities of the individual he or she is voting for. Voters should make informed choices during elections and choose a government they believe will make a difference in their lives. Importantly, they should vote for an open, transparent and democratic government. Your vote gives you a voice in the way your country is run, hence the importance of participating in the election process and casting the ballot. Each and every vote counts, including yours. Do not leave it to others to choose your government and wait to complain about the state of affairs when you deliberately decided not to participate in electing your leaders and representatives. Let us stand up and choose our representatives and hold it accountable for the promises they made while campaigning for office. Let us all exercise our right to vote and make informed choices in who we want in running the affairs of our great country.
