Kudos to election workers for a job well done

KAPIT: In any election, almost all attention is focussed on the candidates and the political parties they represent. Election Commission ( EC) workers only get a cursory nod here and there, especially on nomination and polling day, even though they play a crucial role in the running of an election or byelection.

The fact is that EC workers have to work round-the- clock on many occasions to ensure that everything proceeds smoothly. Their tasks include handling the nomination process, manning polling stations, vote counting, tabulation of results and ensuring that no one flouts election laws.

More often than not, they are criticised by hostile politicians when they are too rigid with election rules and regulations.

And contrary to what many might think, running an election is no simple task. That is why they have to undergo training and briefi ngs for certain periods of time. This applies to the returning officers, assistant returning officers and clerks.

In many constituencies in the state, it’s not just a simple matter of driving to the polling centre. In the rural areas, election workers often have to use land, river and air transportation to move around the area they have been assigned to.

This involves using land cruisers, longboats, helicopters and other forms of transport.

They also have to work closely with the police and other agencies to ensure that none of the materials they are handling, especially the ballot boxes, are compromised.

In short, election workers are unappreciated heroes of sorts.