The eight-page publication is free and is a full color illustration of Yap’s environment, culture and tradition and how the state is changing in this 21st century. This new publication covers five reasons why the youth should exercise their right to vote.
It also pointed out that in order for an election to be truly democratic, it must be:
• Universal — all citizens of FSM must have the right to vote and to be elected, without discrimination based on sex, race, language, religion or political relationship.
• Equal — the value of each vote must be the same.
• Secret — balloting must be private so that citizens can participate without being afraid; only the voter must know for whom she or he votes.
• Direct — voters must be able to choose their own leaders without an intermediary.
• Wide choice — voters must have the opportunity to choose from several available candidates.
The publication also features the opinions and statements of several officials of the state government who offered their suggestions to motivate the youth to vote in future elections.
While registering eligible voters at Yap High School last week, the Yap State Election Office distributed copies of the publication to the students and staff.
Other copies have also been distributed to the following businesses and office on island for access to the public: YCA General Store, Island Services Company (Gilmar Store), Mr & T Drug Store, and Yap Memorial Hospital-Record Room.
The publication is free.
