There is a debate going on about simultaneous
elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. The
ruling Bhratiya Janata Party has always been a vocal proponent of the move and
the Prime Minister is pushing it with characteristic vigour. It has also found favour from various Parliamentary
panels and the Law Commission on obvious grounds of reduction of expenditure,
curtailing imposition of the Model Code of Conduct, minimising disruption of
normal public life and lessening pressure on crucial manpower deployed for
prolonged periods in poll-bound States.
But by making this move, can fractured verdicts
and unstable governments be avoided? Will holding simultaneous elections tilt
the polls in favour of national issues and national parties?
Another important proposal is any no-confidence
motion against a government ought to include a confidence motion in favour of
an alternative government to be headed by a named individual. All these
measures require political consensus. The BJP must strive to evolve a
consensus.
One should not underestimate the intelligence
of the voters. They can and will choose what is best and they are no dull wits
to overlook some issues or be influenced only by national issues while voting
for state assemblies.
Next we come to the mother of all reforms -
speeches given by the candidates during elections should be two-way
communications, and not one-way - the public just listens, and there are no
questions asked. Politicians do not like questioning audience. Making promises should
be banned. Instead, candidates should be compelled to reveal how they will
fulfil their promises. Electioneering is a serious business, and not
entertainment. Look at the USA - the public grills the candidates. Can this
happen here? If a member of the audience asks inconvenient questions, he will
get thrashed by supporters of the candidate.
Polls may be cumbersome or expensive but any
attempt at reforms must be weighed against whether they strengthen or erode
democratic rights. We have to take risk to strengthen our country towards
development as a whole. For good democratic setup and administration we should
do it.
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