ATTRIBUTED in 1922 to Joseph Stalin the words ring truer today: “It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything.”

Terrorists have again suddenly emerged to permanently silence potential opposition, and “the state is…`mainstreaming` individuals and groups with a history of violence and anti-state actions.”(Bloodbath in the run-up to polls, Dawn editorial, July16).

Despite Stalin I will exercise my responsibility and right to vote. However may I recommend the addition of two additional symbols to each ballot paper: one with ‘ET Come Home’; the other providing the valuable option of ‘None of the Above.’ This should enthuse even the most cynical of non-voters.

Dr Mervyn Hosein
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2018