It must be said that there has been a sharp increase in the number of candidates with serious criminal charges over the last four elections. A whopping 26% of all candidates in the fray in the 2022 assembly elections have reportedly criminal cases against them.
What is even more disturbing is that twelve candidates reportedly have declared cases related to crime against women. Ironically these law-breakers hope to become law-makers as members of the Goa legislative assembly.
It is for the voters to decide whether they want to be ruled by those with criminal antecedents. Besides not having a criminal record, other qualities that the voters need to look into is the educational qualification of the candidates.
The candidates should possess leadership qualities. They should have proper work ethics, selflessness, be broadminded and adjustable to the times and needs of the society.
They should be easily accessible to the citizens and available at any hour of the day and night during an emergency. Obviously they need to be non-corrupt and be the people’s voice in the assembly.
Most importantly the candidates should not have defected to another party in the past. The problem is that many voters vote for a particular political party without looking into the qualities of the candidates.
