Emphasizing the need for change in the current electoral system, Dr Nasim Zaidi, former Chief Election Commissioner, stressed the requirement for a constitutional review of the First-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system.
Inaugurating the two-day 16th Annual National Conference at Pune, organized by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the Maharashtra Election Watch (MEW), he expressed hope for a neutral Election Commission to ensure independence of the Election Commission of India (ECI) and in view of the recent Supreme Court judgment in favour of the collegium-like appointments of the EC.
He deplored over growing concerns regarding the rising criminality in electoral politics and deemed it against constitutional values. Pointing out absence of power of deregistration of political parties by the ECI, he mentioned the case pending in the High Court – a Lok Prahari petition before the Lucknow Bench to disqualify candidates with criminal records by Returning Officer.
Dr Zaidi emphasized the need for the participation of women and youth. He talked about how there has been an increase in the number of women voters, which is now gradually reaching at par with the male voters. In contrast, he deplored over the rise in women candidates in elections and women’s representation in Parliament and state assemblies is dismal, which is a matter of concern.
Regarding youth participation, he said that the youth population is around 4.5 cr, out of which only 1.3 cr are registered voters, suggesting that 70% do not even register themselves as voters, which is worrisome and must be addressed through youth awareness and campus ambassador programs at colleges and universities.
He stressed the need for regular revision/purification of electoral rolls as voter suppression happens most at this level. Dr Zaidi concluded by stating that electoral reforms are proceedings we have to continue to struggle with and added that democracy cannot thrive without internal democracy within political parties.
Justice Narendra Chapalgaonkar, former Judge of Bombay High Court, emphasized the need for the declaration of wealth before and after elections. He also suggested that the rules made by the Election Commission such as constitutional provisions, and statutes should be made useful and truthful. He said that democracy is not only about talking, it must be felt in behaviour by dealing with every citizen.
