Cleansing election system

While the big demonetisation move is pitched as a move to rid the country of corruption and bring in economic transparency, no govt seems as enthusiastic about ushering in electoral transparency. The Election Commission has made over 70 recommendations to the Central government through the UPA as well as the current Modi regime to remove ‘glaring lacunae in the law’ and ensure that the ‘integrity of the election process’ is maintained. From limiting electoral expenditure to checking criminalisation of elections, the 70 recommendations— many of which last year passed muster with the Law Commission as well remain on paper. ET rounds up the EC’s largely unimplemented action point for a cleaner election.

DE-CRIMINALISATION OF POLITICS
Persons charged with cognisable offences be barred from contesting polls once charges are framed and the offence is punishable by imprisonment of at least 5 years and case is filed at least six months before elections

Incorporate recommendation made in 2010 by the Liberhans Ayodhya commission report against parties which misuse religious sentiments

Making bribery in elections a cognisable offence with minimum 2 years of imprisonment

ELECTION MANAGEMENT ISSUES
To include a provision that making of any false statement or declaration before authorities is made punishable

To enhance sentence for filing false affidavit from 6 months to 2 years

REFORMS RELATED TO POLITICAL PARTIES
De-registration of political parties: The EC should be given powers to deregister a political party and regulate registration and de-registration

Tax relief should only be there for political parties that contest election and win seats in Parliament or legislative assemblies

Form 24A under Rules 85B of The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961: Ensure that political parties disclose contributions less than Rs 20,000 as well

Compulsory maintenance of audited accounts by political parties

Maintenance of mandatory separate bank accounts by each contesting candidate for poll expenses to ensure accountability

Cap on expenditure by political party on a candidate for the election campaign

Place a ceiling on campaign expenditure by political parties

ELECTION CAMPAIGN AND ADVERTISEMENTS
Ban on exit polls and opinion polls from day of election notification till result declaration

Ban on govt sponsored advertisements six months before elections (expiry of term of House)

Paid news in connection with elections be punished with two years imprisonment