The key to cement voting as an institution

Awareness. First and foremost, Venezuelans should be aware that the presidential election of October 7 is not an ordinary, political event. We need to realize that we are facing something that is much more serious; the future of the country, our families and us as individuals relies on the outcome. Only in this way, we will be able to make, with full consciousness and responsibility, a decision shared with 17 million Venezuelans and enforce it with our active involvement, as necessary.

Organization. Spontaneous, voluntary participation is not enough and could turn out to be counterproductive. We need to determine our level of commitment and the nature of the task we can play as best as possible. Later on, we could join the activities of a political party or one of many NGOs engaged in the election or one of the innumerable active social networks, or we could work together with neighbors' organizations in our places of residence.

Mobilization. Thousands of youngsters have not enrolled yet in the registry of voters. Out of indifference, misinformation or ignorance, they are not aware of the significance of October 7. No matter the campaigns of the National Electoral Council (CNE), political parties and the work of NGOs such as Voto Joven (Youth Vote), each of us should take action to embolden any new reluctant or indifferent voter. Once informed, these youngsters will surely relinquish their passive stance.

Polling station witness or member. The outcome will rely not only on votes. A key to ensure transparency lies on oversight, with an emphasis on the audit at the end of balloting. To the extent that any manipulation of voting machines is prevented; the number of votes is matched with the number of voters and a copy of the record is collected, any kind of fraud will be virtually impossible. Hence, there is the need to cover all polling stations with active, vigilant officials and/or witnesses.

No fear or abstention. Convincing the people close to us of the real possibility of a political shift by election means is of the utmost importance. Therefore, we need to overcome whatever fear or fatalism that may be tried to be injected under the pretense that the current regime came to remain; that such scenario is irreversible and all that remains for us is to resign ourselves and feel happy with what we have. The only way of removing such a fabricated perception is by voting.

Participation in opposition primaries. It could be a way of embarking upon the election dynamic and stirring involvement. The participation of government supporters is welcome as well; it is nurturing; it allows walking away from siege options and envisaging different choices within a unifying continuum of broad horizons. Participation in brainstorming is both food for thought and rehearsal for a looming tough, harsh campaign.

Joining the process. There are many ways to take part in an election process. Besides plenty of funding, volunteers and logistics are necessary. Any steps need to be taken in order to ensure mobilization and transportation on the Election Day. Note that some voters, for fear of retaliation, laziness or unwillingness to stand in a queue, would rather stay at home. Further, logistics (food and water) is needed to ease the work of polling stations witnesses and officials who have to stay on the alert for many hours.

Translated by Conchita Delgado