Question
Note: After US President Jimmy Carter left office in 1981, he began to travel to different countries and monitor elections for fairness Peru had recently experienced a dishonest election which left its citizens mistrustful of their government. All poll officials [the people running the 13 percent of the ballots being blank voting places] were new because any- one having been involved in last year's fraudulent [dishonest] process was excluded. Although well trained they were inexperienced, and the compli- cated procedures and meticulous atten- tion to every detail caused most citizens to wait about an hour before casting their first votes. During the day, how- ever, they overcame this initial problem, and nationwide voting was completed almost perfectly and on time. Voting is mandatory in Peru, with an enforced penalty of US 35 for not voting. This is probably the cause of or null, cast by citizens who refused to vote for any of the candidates or who spoiled their ballots. We could see no possibility of any error in the casting and counting of ballots and (for the first time in our experience as monitors) there was not a single complaint about the accuracy of the voter's list. A na- tional record of about 15 million voters is maintained, constantly corrected for new registrants, those who move over seas or to a different home in Peru , or die. It was interesting to note from early reports that only two votes in every 10,000 were disputed or challenged in any way in the presidential contest. Document Analysis 1. What evidence can you identify that shows that voting was compulsory in Peru? 2. What are some components of the compulsory voting system in Peru? 3. Based on what President Carter reports, does the election seem fair? Explain. 4. How can you use this document to argue for compulsory voting? 5. How can you use this document to argue against compulsory voting?
Answer
4.3
(249 Votes)
Quincy
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
1. **Evidence of Compulsory Voting in Peru:** - The document states that voting in Peru is mandatory with an enforced penalty of US $35 for not voting.2. **Components of Compulsory Voting System in Peru:** - Mandatory participation with a penalty for non-voting. - Citizens who refuse to vote or spoil their ballots are subject to penalties. - A national record of about 15 million voters is maintained, suggesting a comprehensive voter registration system.3. **Fairness of the Election According to President Carter:** - President Carter's report indicates initial challenges with new and inexperienced poll officials. - Despite the initial issues, the election was completed almost perfectly and on time. - No complaints about the accuracy of the voter's list. - Only two votes in every 10,000 were disputed in the presidential contest, suggesting a high level of accuracy.4. **Argument in Favor of Compulsory Voting:** - The document highlights that despite initial challenges, the election process in Peru was largely successful and accurate. - Mandatory voting ensures high participation, contributing to a comprehensive and well-maintained voter registry.5. **Argument Against Compulsory Voting:** - Initial issues, such as inexperienced poll officials and long wait times, might be seen as drawbacks of mandatory voting. - The penalty for not voting could be perceived as coercive, potentially leading to votes cast under duress or lack of genuine choice.Note: While the document provides insights into the election process and its challenges, opinions on compulsory voting may vary, and additional information and perspectives should be considered for a comprehensive analysis.