[The Big Picture] Defying Election Commission : How to handle it?

Summary:

• Some of the influential leaders have always been defying the election commission’s Code of Conduct and its orders.

• This is also said to be a corrupt practice and violation of law.

• National parties are not paying much attention on this.

• The best solution is to place the responsibility on political parties. Civil society can only play a complimentary role.

• Model Code of Conduct has been adopted by political parties.

• There are 3 main stakeholders in this process; one, Election Commission; second, the political parties; third, the people who are going to vote. All three have to play role to maintain the order.

• These are also the defiance and violation of Representation of People act.

• Election commission should have some judicial powers to take direct action during the times of elections on certain issues.

• This is the time for the people of India to say NO to communal and non-secular politics. The entire country must rise as one.

• It is clear that Election Commission has not been very effective in dealing with such cases. And hence, there is a need to empower the Election Commission to deal with such cases.

Source: RajyaSabha TV