THE European elections have certainly brought to the fore the problems with the present voting system. Looking through the papers and listening to the media I am appalled at the apathy displayed by the general public - 25 per cent seems to be the average turnout.

How can we claim to be democratic when 75 per cent don't bother to vote?

When you look back to the not too distant past and remember the work, sacrifice and even lives given for the right to vote we put on a very poor show. Nelson Mandela has only been able to vote twice during his 80 years.

The moving pictures from South Africa during the last two elections, showing people of all ages walking and waiting patiently for many hours to vote, should put us all to shame.

Perhaps Australia has the right idea in making voting compulsory.

It appears that it was older people that actually voted. Maybe the government will quickly introduce a "you must vote hour" to fit in with literacy and numeracy hours in schools.

JOAN HAMER, Devon Street, Darwen.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.