SOMETIME ago (approximately 3-4 weeks), I indicated my interest to the EAB of being an Election Observer in Region 3 and gave my coordinates as requested by the EAB official. When I activated this process I expected a professional response and work strategy. The EAB as I understand is a volunteer organisation, so in fact I was not looking for money as an inducement for my decision to be an EAB representative on Election Day.
My patriotic responsibility was foremost, for my decision to be an election observer with an organisation and I pursue such mandates with serious nationalistic commitments.  
However, being incommunicado for 3-4 weeks sent an early warning of what to expect on ‘E-Day’. I became alarmed then called 231-8248.  
How could an organisation responsible for such a serious portfolio of observing an electoral process for a country effectively and efficiently do so when they do not possess basic communication skills? How well will they communicate on that day?
Crowning the whole thing – I called the EAB on November 1, ‘good day, my name is Ashton Simon’ etc.  I outlined what had transpired before and my concerns for not being kept abreast with what to expect for such a long period. Speaking to a male who did not have the courtesy to identify himself or who could not answer the questions I was asking or seemingly failing to understand that a simple telephone call would be good to keep persons informed, apparently got vexed and handed the phone to a female to patch things up; she too did not have the courtesy to say ’hello, my name is bla bla.. Can I help you?’  I was expected to repeat all I said in my first communication with the male.
This is unbecoming; persons delegated to manage such critical offices, should be qualified communication experts and not mediocre in their skills. Dealing with the public where a pool of diverse professionals, academics etc. exist is a challenge and if we are to be professional it should be reflected from offices such as the EAB.  The EAB needs to get this right.