We have editorialised before against what appears to us to be the CEC running the EC in contravention of standard practices. That the CEC continues to take decisions unilaterally without consulting the other ECs remains a serious point of issue, and one that calls into question all the actions taken by the Election Commission so far.

Compounding the problem, is the CEC's apparent reticence when it comes to explaining his position to the people, in which the media could naturally play a helpful role. It is to the people that he must feel accountable, and in that sense, a media-friendly approach is expected of him.

It is quite possible that the CEC can continue to hide behind what we regard as legal sophistry in defense of his position (when he deigns to speak on the subject at all), and he may well be able to bulldoze his way past the other ECs and ensure that his wishes are complied with.

However, he should bear in mind that when it comes to elections, public confidence is of paramount importance. Especially when it comes to the preparation of the voter roll (which is the current issue of contention) that is of such centrality when it comes to a fair election, it is absolutely critical that the public at least have confidence in the system and be fully accepting of the voter roll that is ultimately used.

We are not passing judgement on the question of whether a fresh roll is preferable to a revised roll. However, we do believe that dissenting views need to be listened to, and that decisions should be made by the Election Commission as a whole. The dsyfunction into which the commission has fallen is the last thing that the country needs.

At the very least, we urge the CEC to take the time to persuade the public that he is not acting in an arbitrary or capricious manner. The most important thing is that the voter roll is prepared without a hint of controversy and that it be acceptable to the public.