Municipals: New Electoral Register to Include 1,941 Unregistered Voters

On Friday, 14th March, the Council of Ministers reached a pivotal decision, approving an amendment to the “Representation of the People Act”. This important change will see the establishment of an additional electoral register for the upcoming municipal elections, as well as for any other elections that might be called.

This supplementary electoral register will act as an expansion of the existing register, coming into force the day before “Nomination Day”.

The goal is clear: to ensure that every eligible voter can actively participate in the electoral process, thereby protecting their constitutional right to vote.

Under the newly proposed amendments, individuals who are eligible but not currently registered will have the opportunity to apply to be included on this new register.

This process will allow them not only to vote in the upcoming municipal elections but also to stand as candidates.

To be included on the supplementary electoral register, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Their name must not appear on the existing electoral register;
• They must meet the eligibility requirements to register as a voter;
• They must have reached, or will reach, the age of 18 before “Nomination Day”.

The Council of Ministers has pointed out a significant concern: despite the diligent work of the Electoral Commission to register voters, around 1,941 individuals were unable to participate in the last general elections due to their names being missing from the electoral register.

Of these, 1,205 disenfranchised voters were residents of Port-Louis and other urban centres.

This initiative marks a crucial step towards ensuring inclusivity in the electoral process, guaranteeing that no eligible voter is overlooked.

The very essence of democracy demands that all citizens have unfettered access to the ballot box.

Source: Defi Media