It is a fact that defection after the polls has been the bane of Goan politics in the past and these polls are no different. Political parties have come up with a novel way in order to keep their flock together. Party candidates have been made to take a pledge at various religious places that they will not defect.
This move seems more to appease the electorate than God. Party candidates have also been made to sign an affidavit stating that they will not leave the parent party.
Incidentally an affidavit is a sworn statement that is documented in writing. An affidavit must be notarized, signed in the presence of witnesses, and the affiant must swear that the facts contained in it are true and correct.
It would thus be in the fitness of things for the political parties to ask their party candidates to also take a pledge in front of the deities and sign an affidavit that they will not engage in corrupt practices after being elected.
This will appear more meaningful for the electorate. But then will the political parties oblige?
