The right to vote is precious. But it is valued only when it is under threat or when it is absent. People in economically developed, mature western democracies tend to take it for granted and, in recent decades, voter turnout has been falling.
But the on-going struggle for universal suffrage by a billion people across the globe, from China to Asia, Africa and South America continues. Recent television pictures of people queuing for days to exercise their newly-granted franchise reflect the value they place on it.
Ireland is fortunate to be numbered amongst the wealthy, western democracies. The electorate goes to the polls today in 42 constituencies to choose the 165 TDs who will join the outgoing Ceann Comhairle, Mr Seamus Pattison, in the 29th Dáil. That initial task will decide the quality of our elected representatives. It will also determine the composition of the next government and the relative strengths of the various parties. Following intensive campaigning - and a succession of opinion polls - the choice facing the electorate appears to centre on whether Fianna Fáil should form a minority or a majority government.
The authorities have done their best to encourage voting and opening times at polling stations have been extended by a further hour, from 7.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. This will facilitate people on shift work, and provide commuters with ample time to vote. The fact that voting takes place on a Friday will also benefit students and young people who return home at weekends. The other major change involves the introduction of electronic voting in the constituencies of Dublin North, Dublin West and Meath. The electorate in those constituencies will be invited to press numbered buttons beside the names and photographs of candidates, before hitting a button labelled "cast vote". Results from the three elections are expected in the early hours of Saturday morning.
In the past, Irish people have shown a sophisticated knowledge of the proportional representation system. But growing economic well-being and cynicism about politics and politicians have contributed to voter apathy. Fifteen years ago, turnout was 73 per cent. In the 1997 election it had fallen to 66 per cent and that trend may continue. It is important that voters should use their franchise fully by voting through to their final preference. Lists of candidates in all 42 constituencies are printed in today's newspaper. Readers can make a preliminary list of candidates, in order of their choice, before ever entering the polling station. For the past three weeks the politicians have had their say. Now it is the turn of the people.