The State Election Commissioner, Menino D’Souza, finally announced a detailed Zilla Panchayat election schedule on Saturday, putting to rest speculations of a likely change in dates. It was on the very same day that the poll machinery swung into action, calling for a halt to a pre-organised meeting in Canacona, raising crucial questions as the rural landscape braces for a fierce contest on party lines, billed as a semi-final to the big-ticket Assembly elections in 2027.
Implementation of the Model Code of Conduct is a major step towards achieving a free, fair, and transparent election at all levels, including the grassroots elections, where the election machinery has a crucial role to play. The State Election Commission (SEC) is duty-bound to demonstrate the highest degrees of fairness, transparency and honesty while providing a level-playing field to all and sundry, much against the common belief that State governments use the election machinery to their advantage. The SEC acts not only as an administrator but also as a protector of the electoral process, and shoulders the responsibility of ensuring the implementation of democratic principles at the local level.
The code of conduct brings with it a set of guidelines and restrictions on all political parties, the government and candidates, to ensure a level playing field and maintain the integrity of the electoral process. There are dos and don’ts issued on general conduct, government functioning and campaigning. Candidates are required to campaign within the prescribed parameters and refrain from personal attacks and unverified claims. They are also required to seek prior permission from the authorities for meetings. While the Code is in force, ministers are also not allowed to announce sops or grants, and refrain from using government machinery for campaigns.
That being said, the police have shown a rare urgency in clamping down on the Goa Forward meeting at Canacona, within hours of the announcement of the Code of Conduct. The question is whether such unflinching seriousness will be seen across the board, or whether it applies only to the Opposition parties. The Canacona incident may have escalated into an ugly spat between the men in uniform and the party office bearers, including the party convenor Vijai Sardesai, but it has set the ball rolling with the election machinery now inviting scrutiny.
It may be recalled that during the 2022 Assembly elections, the CEO and the flying squads came under severe Opposition fire and were labelled as being partisan for selectively allowing breaches of the ruling party while cracking down only on others. Also, allegations were made of the daylight distribution of cash, which went unchecked.
How well the electoral machinery works is determined by how steadfastly it is willing to commit itself to neutrality. This involves the Code being implemented in a manner that is not only regular and open but also free from any sort of partiality or political interference. It is crucial that all political parties, candidates and their supporters uphold the rules of conduct, whether a person is a member of the ruling party or opposition. The slightest hint of deviation or interference through political channels weakens the groundwork of fair competition and brings about distrust.
Paying regard to fair play for such elections is not only indispensable for the validity of the poll process but also for the propagation of democratic principles amongst the citizens. Let’s hope neutrality prevails as parties and candidates lock horns in an interesting battle of the ballot in the State.
