Candidate must poll 50% plus one to win: Former CEC N Gopalaswami

BANGALORE: Former Chief Election Commissioner N Gopalaswami today urged the Centre to incorporate amendments suggested by the EC to People's Representation Act to bring in more reforms in the electoral process.

He said during his tenure as CEC, the commission had suggested that it should be mandatory for a candidate to secure at least 50 per cent plus one votes of the total votes polled to be declared elected.

In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, 82.50 per cent of winners polled less than 50 per cent of votes,he said while delivering the 13th IISC alumni lecture on "Making Our Democracy Meaningful" here.

Gopalaswami, whose certain recommendations concerning the appointment of his successor triggered a controversy, sought to push for compulsory voting and fixed term for legislatures besides 'none of the above option' being incorporated in the EVMs.

He said the recommendations made by EC towards de-criminalisation of politics such as barring chargesheeted candidates from contesting and constituting special courts to try such cases, has not been implemented so far.

EC has also given a number of recommendations for curbing money power in elections which one of the major threats to democracy. These include state funding of elections, synchronising Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections, auditing of party accounts and bringing in transparency and harsher penalties (for those who bribe the voters through use of money).

The Commission has emphasised the importance of independent Lokpal and Lok Adalats, confiscating ill-gotten wealth and bring accountability in government work and encourage use of RTI act.

"In the last five years in Karnataka, there has been a 797 per cent increase in the wealth amassed by the Legislators. Money was literally mined", Gopalaswami said.

While "paid news" is another bane which has to be dealt with immediate steps and self-regulation by the media, lack of transparency in the use of party funds is a serious issue. During the 2008 elections in Karnataka, a seizure of Rs 45 crore was made, he said.

"However, we must keep raising our voices and must remember that any one can make a difference and a few will suffice to swing the vote, the best example if the recent elections in Tamil Nadu", he said.