I am encouraged by the majority views shown on We The People (NDTV). Suggest
the ECI/ government is flooded with demands for Electoral Reforms.My letter
handed over is as under:-
THE ELECTION COMMISSION (ECI),
Through the Chief Electoral Officer,
Altinho, Panaji, Goa-403001.
Sir,
ELECTORAL REFORMS
The election scenario is getting
murkier day by day, and opportunistic politicians in parties are garnering
votes by fair means and foul, worse putting up “winnable” but unsuitable
candidates. In public and the nation’s interest, the time has come for the ECI
to push through urgent electoral reforms. The before and after opportunistic
crossing over of politicians makes a mockery of Democracy. Towards ensuring
that democracy is not hijacked by vested interests and professional
politicians, kindly consider giving voters the following rights by representing
public opinion at the appropriate forums for legislation and also action within
the powers of the ECI:
a) Right of Recall---The CBCI (Catholic Bishops Conference of India) AND
the HJS (Hindu Janajagriti Samiti) have taken up a voters awareness campaign in
Goa and Maharashtra. This has nothing to do with religion for they reflect the
electorate views against candidates who have criminal records, little
background of genuine public service, which includes concern for youth and
women, particularly the poor and marginalized. When Assemblies,
Municipalities, Panchayats can use no confidence motions to remove/replace
non-performing, corruption oriented people with lack of personal integrity, not
meeting promises of manifesto or performing illegal actions, why cannot the
hapless voter enjoy the same right?
b) NEGATIVE VOTE--- We see the same old faces defiantly staring at us as
winnable candidates, and the electorate has no choice but to reluctantly vote
or not vote at all! We would like our precious vote to reflect our choice/views.
Towards this end, a “NONE OF THE ABOVE” option should be mandatory on every
voting machine. Until this is legislated, the ECI may give us our legitimate
right, to refuse to vote as conscientious objectors. The BLO (Booth Level
Officer)
should maintain a Register wherein all those who do not want to vote for any of
the listed unsuitable candidates, record their names along with Epic card
number. This will also help the EC to check that there are not more electors
than the electorate, and send a message loud and clear to the various parties
to give us young and suitable candidates in public interest and the interest of
the nation.
Thanking
you,
John
Eric Gomes
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