I am responding to Mr. Indar Persaud’s missive (GC Aug 15) in which he calls me a clown for advocating  placing the photo of each candidate next to his party’s name and its symbol. I don’t think that is funny or a circus. Several countries use or plan to use ballots with photos of candidates. I am a Presidential Candidate (for Justice for All Party) and I have not disrespected any candidate. It is wrong for Persaud to attack me. I have not attacked his Presidential Candidate, Mr. Donald Ramotar. If I were to call Mr. Ramotar a clown, I am certain the state would have taken action against me.
Mr. Persaud is right and I thank him for recognising that a recent poll said I am the most popular candidate seeking the presidency and yes I am promoting myself to win the presidency. That is the reason why I am running and I presume the reason for others running for office.
Several countries use ballots with photos including but not limited to Australia, Singapore, Ireland, England, Canada, India, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Bangladesh, etc. Candidates’ photos on election ballots make voting easier for people with reading difficulties. A report out of Canada said adults with poor literacy skills choose not to vote because they’re too embarrassed to ask for help. A ballot with a photo is innovative and makes voting easier. A photo enhances and facilitates voting. It aids the illiterate citizens to cast the correct vote and it will reduce the number of rejected or spoilt votes. It also identifies the candidates with their parties so voters would not be confused. Would Indar Persaud refer to all the leaders and election officials of these countries as clowns?.

Editor’s note-It was because of illiteracy that each political party contesting an election had to find a symbol which is placed on the ballot. To include photos of presidential candidates would simply be a redundancy and a waste of resources.