The Supreme Court’s elaborate order has not only recorded critical observations against the State government and the State Election Commission but has also laid down broad parameters in a clear attempt to restore democracy. The court verdict confirms the common fear that a conscious attempt was made to sabotage the election process. The nexus has clearly been established with the court telling the SEC that it cannot blindly act to the dictates of the government.
The order, also, has far-reaching implications with all State governments across the length and breadth of the country told to ensure that the commissioners of the SECs are appointed as independent authorities holding no positions in State or Central government. And this is the first step in restoring the sanctity of the election body which has such a significant role to play in elections.
While the talk is about upholding democracy and constitutional values, it is the seriousness with which the top court has viewed the issue that needs to be saluted. It would have been most unfortunate if a wrong was allowed to be carried forward on the premise that it is beyond the scope of the judiciary.
Amid all the embarrassment and humiliation suffered by the State government, the Law Secretary and the SEC, what remains to be seen is how Chief Minister Pramod Sawant now proceeds in upholding the spirit of the apex court’s order and brings autonomy to the SEC. Can the CM restore the confidence of the people and the political players in the electoral processes?
We have, right from the time of announcement of the municipal election schedule on February 22, maintained that the SEC has a crucial role to play in elections, and is duty-bound to provide a level playing field to all political parties and candidates. We red-flagged the SEC for overseeing violation of code of conduct by the men in power and pointed at the visible biases towards the government. Can we now have a State Election Commission and a commissioner which is completely independent and who is ready to go all out in upholding the constitution?
The apex court has asked for the immediate appointment of a new commissioner, and in keeping with the urgency that is shown by the court and the limited time at hand before voting in the first phase begins, the chief minister should start the process in right earnest. An independent, upright and person of high integrity without any political leanings have to be considered with the consensus of major political figures, not just the BJP.
The State Election Commission has critical lessons to learn from the order and the directives should be like a guiding light for the job at hand. It must ensure electoral fairness, shun political interference and above all ensure that the constitutional mandate is not abused. The civic election is billed as a semi-final, and the election body will have to brace itself up soon for the assembly elections coming up early next year. It has to rise above such partisan politics and cleanse itself from sins of omission committed. We reiterate, let fair play prevail.
