As elections near, voters are in a hurry to prescribe solutions. No sooner the results are declared, the winners take decisions ignoring the party, or the mandate of the voters with least consideration for moral or ethical principles.
An opportunity to be with those in power is their predominant aim and obviously the reason is development of the constituency albeit camouflaging their own. The anti-defection law is toothless. The defectors resign and are re-elected by the very same voters. Neither the voter or party has any recourse. The clamour for recall is a non-starter and provision of NOTA is too symbolic.
When parties lose they resort to poaching, though it comes with a stiff price and demand for position. Parties cannot digest being in the desert, wilderness of opposition, hence flout all norms and bend legislations. They are not serious about full proof anti-defection laws as everyone stands to gain.
All those who defect should be barred for two terms from contesting or occupying any position of power and administrative posts. It will do away with prolonged court cases and purposive delays by speaker or his bias decisions. The lure of tax free perks, influence, position, pensions makes it the most attractive profession sans educational qualification and experience.
The voters are taken for a ride and can do nothing about it except to hold their vote or demand a price.
NELSON LOPES, Chinchinim
