सरकार का अधिकार छिना: निष्पक्षता की ओर उठा कदम, चुनाव आयुक्तों की नियुक्ति अकेली सरकार नहीं कर पाएगी

Transparency is very important for a strong and liberal democracy. As important as breathing. The Supreme Court has said- For a good democracy, the clarity of the election process should be maintained, otherwise its results will not be good. The transparency of the election process is the key that can open the doors of power for any party or leader.

Even the strongest party may have to taste defeat, because the power of vote is supreme and it is our duty to maintain it forever. All of us, the judiciary, the executive and all those who are directly or indirectly connected or about to be connected with this election process.

In fact, the court has given an important decision, according to which now the Central Government will not be able to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner and the rest of the Election Commissioners directly and alone. Now the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India will jointly appoint them. Along with this, the court has also told the central government that preparations should be made to set up a separate secretariat of the Election Commission. As far as appointments are concerned. It will be done by these three people only, until the Parliament makes a different or new law.

Whoever has been in power till now, whichever party is in power, the governments have been appointing their favorite people in the Election Commission. Not directly, but indirectly it must have benefited the political parties sitting in power from time to time. Even the dates and phases of the elections have been accused of fixing the elections according to the wishes of the ruling party.

It was TN Seshan who told us Indians that there is an institution called the Election Commission and it does not work under the government, but works independently. Neither would she come under anyone’s pressure, nor would she give special attention to anyone’s recommendation. We all have seen the condition of the Election Commission before and after him. Now the question arises that there will be transparency in the appointments of the Election Commission, but what will happen in the states?

Till now, only the district collectors are made the returning officers in the states. It has been seen many times that just before the implementation of the election code of conduct, the state governments make bulk transfers of collectors and superintendents of police. Why? Surely the intention of the governments behind doing this must be to make their favorite officers sit in the districts!

Only the future will tell when and how much transparency will come in this process, but it is certain that the Chief Election Commissioner will be fair, fearless and transparent, then its effect will definitely reach the states as well. This is essential for the strength of democracy.