Days after concerns were raised over postal ballot voters being influenced, the Chief Electoral Officer on Tuesday warned of strict action against those trying to approach such category of voters and influence their voting. The CEO cited provisions of the Representation of the People Act and Indian Penal Code under which violators could be penalized and also provided an email id to register complaints. A report is also being sought from district election officers. The question is, can the CEO warning at this stage act as a deterrent in a high-stakes election?
Goa has seen a fierce electoral battle, multi-cornered contests, highs and lows in turnout, an overall voting percentage of nearly 80, and many seats where the result hangs on a thin thread of hope. We are in a situation where the sizeable postal ballot could end up as a decisive vote.
Whether the Election Commission admits it or not, this election has seen an unprecedented cash flow. Parties have left no stone unturned to reach out to voters. The EC may have feigned ignorance, but a few days ahead of elections it was literally raining currency of pink and green notes from all sides. Given this background, it was a common understanding that parties would eye the postal ballot where the element of secrecy is minimal and chances of influencing the voter is high. It is here voters can easily use the ballot slip as a bargaining chip with candidates or vice versa. Unlike the 'doorstep voting,' there is no EC entourage, agents of parties or security officials to monitor, and the voter is open to administrative influences, and influences of political parties. It is here that the element of secrecy and fairness are most likely to be compromised, and it is most likely that the ruling party is going to exploit the situation most given the data it is equipped with.
The huge window of nearly two weeks for a postal ballot gives enough time to exploit the situation and manipulate voting. The EC instead of merely playing by the rule book should have factored in the ground situation and tightened systems. The very fact that the list of the postal ballot which was supposed to be a closely guarded secret has been leaked out, exposes the chinks in the electoral system. In a ruthless electoral contest, you can't expect fair play and look forward to parties respecting democratic boundaries. Goa has seen opportunistic politics at its very best with mandates being brazenly violated and principles flouted. How can one expect parties to play it fair and square at this critical moment?
The CEO may have sent a terse warning to those engaging in influencing the postal ballot voter, but this means nothing in the larger scheme of things because there are no deterrents set. It appears that EC has lost out on the fairness of elections in its pursuit of better numbers and a peaceful ending.
