The summarily knocking off names of legitimate voters from the Rolls is a
malaise that must be nipped in the bud.Maybe it is just a coincidence, but my
name and 100s of others were missing likewise during the BJP governments rule
in Goa . I understand that because 10% of increase was expected , that
percentage of names were removed (so EC does not get suspicious ) to include
the vote bank names. .I went under RTI and discovered that the ECI has
elaborate rules and instructions for preparation of rolls, trainning of
enumerators and those conducting elections. These I quoted, chapter and verse
to the CEO, copy to the ECI ,as not being followed. I called on the CM and
CS.This time , although there are complaints of names missing,I could see
better monitoring and procedures being followed.Those whose names are missing
must know it is a crime to deny a citizen franchise, they must complain even
though they know it will be stonewalled, and follow up in
writing. Go under RTI. Call for explanation and action!
The reported lack of enthusiasm of voters exhibited so far, despite sustained
campaign by the media is a clear message that our Democracy is heading
towards doldrums or mobocracy. The fundamentals need change because now
elections require heavily policed code of conduct and security forces.In these
dangerous times, instead of statesmen to lead, we have self serving
politicians and corruption. People are loosing faith as they are busy making a
living in these hard times, trying to cope with price rise,recession and global
warming.What is particularly required is good administration, zero tolerance
for dereliction of duty, and not making people waste time and money going
distances for filling umpteen forms for correction of errors and standing in
queues due government maladministration.Manifestos,from experience, are taken
with a large pinch of salt. Rules must be followed, so if the EPIC card does
not talley with the electoral
roll, and voter not permitted to vote,raising a hue and cry shows the
mentality of the Party and such people used to getting their way by lawlessness
and corruption! The Election Commission has to rely on the administration,
which i is very subservient to those in power ,laid back and ineficient
because no one is punished for dereliction of duty.
Next comes selection of candidates. The same old faces, criminals in every
party, the media tells us more in number than before! Nobody is scared to
flaunt their wealth. I understand some of the many crorepatis who have boldly
declared their wealth do not have a Pan card. The slanging rhetoric between
parties and candidates, with hardly any intelligent debate on issues that
urgently matter to the electorate, have become endemic! Democracy's first
requirement is rule of law. Second is education.We have allowed a culture to
develop that enables a government to be mandated with less than 50% of people
voting, misuse of anti-defection law, and when in power, escape responsibility
and not do its duty with impunity. If we are to save Democracy, electoral
reforms must include "none of the above" as option in the voting machine (EVR)
and a system to give voters power of recall. Note this enlightening
conversation with a housemaid.I asked
her if she voted and yes, she has as she always does for the same party.She
wanted to know why a particular local MLA did not feature in the list of
candidates. I told her this is not a local election for the Goa government
but we had to vote for only two representatives , one from North Goa and the
other South Goa. These two only to represent us in the Lok Sabha, that is the
Central government. She complained that nobody tells her anything, and why does
she not ask ,even at the booth?Because nobody answers her questions or laughs
at her ignorance. She has no problem in filling forms, obtaining any
certificates required for ration card, domicile etc. Its all done for her and
delivered to her doorstep. With the majority of the middle class not
voting, keeping the vote bank uneducated, dependent and "looked after" appears
to be how welfare is done and the majority is obtained! The parties and
independents are all waiting for
the results of the election (Due as late as May 16).Thereafter the democratic
process will be horse trading and wheeler dealing and that will throw up our
elected Prime Minister and cabinet!
7
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