THE instant reaction to the draft electoral roll, just released by the Election Commission, is one of incredulity and disbelief. No one can shake off the crowding doubts as to the level of sincerity and honesty brought to bear on the whole preparatory effort; of how crucial a nature the future will only unfold. It shows an abnormal rise in the number of voters. For, it represents an increase in new entries in the order of 1.65crore, a neat 22 percent higher than the total number 7.48crore listed in 2000. This draft list has more than 9.13crore voters.

The Chief Election Commissioner argued at the AmCham for a new voter list on the ground that the 2000 list was flawed with an 'epidemic' of fake voters. He cited reports of Washington-based National Democratic Institute, and US State Department as well as a letter of the European Union to make his point. He specifically quoted from the EU letter addressed to former CEC as 'noting' that the voter list of 2000 included 'a staggering 1.3crore ghost voters'. In other words, the operative 'base line' for the new draft was even lower than 7.46crore as on 2000 list, i.e. 6.36crore 'genuine' voters. The addition of 1.65cr in the new draft or the 22 percent higher intake over the last voter list clearly raises suspicion about its veracity, something the CEC so boastfully wanted to ensure for the new voter list.

Demographically, the above 15 population in Bangladesh is 50 percent but the present draft makes 18 year and above population look like more than 63 percent. How is it possible?

Through newspaper reports, informal discussions at public places and social interactions, we come to learn of personal experiences adding up to an overall impression that a huge number of voters have been left out.

So, the omissions and commissions like a staggering number of new entries and the exclusion of huge number of voters raise serious questions about the credibility of the EC. The biggest challenge before the EC is to now set things right immediately and ensure availability of an authentic voter list in good time.

The deadline set for filling objections and requesting corrections is 21 May, that for disposing of the same is 6 June and of incorporation and deletion is 24 June very tight time schedules given the enormity of the task and complicated procedures.

Our suggestions are threefold: first, let the enumerators go to the voter's doorsteps rather than asking him/her to approach any EC office which may discourage him/her to take any initiative. Second, all the political parties through their local units must ensure that none in their constituencies is left out or there is any interpolation. Third, and most importantly, it should be possible to conduct household by household physical verification of the draft list by independent monitoring groups. Or even sampling could reveal the truth. Finally, we would like the whole list to be put on the website.

The draft list has called into question the core element for free and fair voting which is a foolproof electoral roll. Thereby the whole election process and that of democracy are being thrown into a state of jeopardy. Instead of giving the nation confidence in the electoral process, the EC has given a damper.