Image Courtesy: indianexpress.com
‘Maybe EC Needs a Model Code’, Rajya Sabha MP, Kapil Sibal remarked on twitter, taking a dig at the Election Commission that recent stated that it was proposing a change in the model code of conduct to ask political parties to provide authentic information to voters on the financial viability of their poll promises, saying maybe the poll watchdog itself needs a model code of conduct
Going back on a sworn affidavit made before the Supreme Court of India months ago, the Election Commission (EC), in a letter to all recognised national and state parties, said empty poll promises have far-reaching ramifications, adding it cannot overlook the undesirable impact inadequate disclosures on election promises have on financial sustainability.
The EC has asked parties to submit their views on the proposals by October 19.Reacting to the development, Sibal said, “Election Commission: Does a u-turn after filing affidavit in Supreme Court that it will stay out on freebie debate. Would amount to overreach. Now wishes to include it in the Model Code of Conduct.”
“Maybe EC itself needs a Model Code of Conduct!” Kapil Sibal said on Twitter.
In its letter, the EC said, “The Commission notes that the consequences of inadequate disclosures by political parties get attenuated by the fact that elections are held frequently, providing opportunities for political parties to indulge in competitive electoral promises, particularly in multi-phase elections, without having to spell out their financial implications more particularly on committed expenditure.”
The poll panel said it is of the considered view that with adequate disclosures on the financial implications of the promises made, the Indian electorate will be able to exercise informed poll choices.
“Although implementation of election promises could have several ramifications, the Commission proposes to confine the disclosures to only the financial implications of the promises in terms of the financial resources required.”
Meanwhile, the left has called the EC move to regulate poll promises ‘unwarranted’. In a statement by the politbureau, the CPM pointed out that the Election Commission had in an affidavit to the Supreme Court in April stated that the Commission cannot regulate policy decisions of political parties and that it would be an overreach of powers.
Media reported that the Left parties on Wednesday said the Election Commission’s proposal to amend the Model Code of Conduct to guide political parties to disclose how they plan to finance promises made in their election manifestos and how this would impact the financial situation of the state governments concerned or the Central government was a “totally unwarranted move”.
Stating that it was strongly opposed to any effort to circumscribe or regulate the right of political parties to address people’s concerns and offer policy measures to ameliorate their problem, the CPM made its position clear. The CPI said the EC has no authority to take steps to regulate the policies of the political parties.
“The Constitution mandates the Election Commission to conduct free and fair elections. It is not the job of the Election Commission to regulate the policy pronouncements and welfare measures that political parties promise to the people. This is an area which is solely the prerogative of political parties in a democracy,” the CPM said in a statement.
Also pointing out that the Election Commission had, in an affidavit to the Supreme Court in April, stated that the Commission cannot regulate policy decisions of political parties and that it would be an overreach of powers, it said: “It is surprising that the Election Commission has now taken a contrary stand” and asked “is this due to pressure being exercised by the executive?”
Arguing that the Modi government is “showering freebies on corporates by writing off loans, selling national assets, and tax concessions”, CPI general secretary D Raja said “Directive Principles of our Constitution are in the nature of promises made to people. Will ECI question them or ask Dr Ambedkar to explain finances?”
“The Election Commission is in fact mandated by the Constitution of India to hold free-and-fair election. It has no authority to take steps to regulate the policies of the political parties. Hence, such moves are a violation of it’s mandate, disrespecting the Constitution and curbing the statutory rights of political parties,” the CPI leader said.
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