For the first time, officials of the Election Commission ventured into the homes facilitating voting of senior citizens, differently-abled and Covid infected people. At a time when the fear of the virus is still looming, and the mortality rate high, doorstep voting will bring in welcome relief to families and also contribute to a higher voting percentage.
Doorstep voting is an upgraded version of the postal ballot which is restricted to the armed forces and those on election duty. Introduced this year across all the five States going to polls, the doorstep voting concept allows for exercising mandate within the confines of homes. Teams, including polling staff, agents of candidates and police, descend on residences listed for 'home' voting and hold the electoral exercise fairly and transparently.
The 'doorstep' voting which provides an opportunity to those unable to move out of their homes, will also go a long way in building trust in the Election Commission which otherwise was seen more as a part of the government machinery rather than an independent body.
Apart from a few hiccups, the ECI has had a smooth sailing till now, at least in Goa. The decision to ban rallies and huge gatherings was welcome against the backdrop of a growing infection and mortality rate. However, the election body’s failure to crack down on politicos blatantly violating basic protocol reflected a lack of will to impose authority.
Moreover, relaxing restrictions even before the third phase of Covid could peak meant that risks were being taken with the safety of citizens.
The Goa campaign runs into its last week, and much will be expected of the election body since the majority of the violations that impact voting happen during these closing stages with parties and candidates jostling for space and reach. The role of the EC will come into focus once again when politicians play the money card to sway voter equations.
As much as there is a need to tighten the screws on cash flows, there is also the need for clarity of action. It may be recalled that the Income Tax Department had recently seized Rs 6.2 crore from a hawala operator's residence in Margao raising questions whether this money was stacked up to distribute among voters. Till now the dots haven’t been connected. While the Election Commission has stepped up vigilance at a strategic position, including railway stations, it has not succeeded in checkmating candidates on a money distribution spree, a violation that is completely against the spirit of free and fair elections.
Historically, the Election Commission turns out to be a villain and very often comes under the censure of parties for acting partisan. It has done well with its awareness campaign punch-line -- share your love for democracy this Valentine's Day and cast your vote, but it remains to be seen how the election officials go about the job in the last few days and make this a free and fair election.
