Editorial
Strengthening EC
Its suggestions are worth a look
Reportedly, there has been a rethinking, particularly on the part of the Election Commission, to strengthen its hand in conducting elections. One could not agree more that the Commission should have all the necessary powers to ensure free and fair elections that are transparent in all respects.
There are a few suggestions that are rather innovative. For example the matter of investing the EC with powers to cancel and declare seats of MPs, who have furnished wrong information, vacant. Given the past experiences of inordinate delays through the normal legal procedures to adjudicate such disputes, some of which could not be resolved within the tenure of the parliament, the idea deserves consideration.
On the other hand, while the idea of giving the EC authority to punish officials, who are temporarily on deputation to it for election duties, for misconduct and incompetence, appears quite rational, its implications on the commission's manpower and workload should not be lost sight of.
Admittedly, the EC should not only have authority to withdraw errant election officials, it should be able to also mete out appropriate punishments to them. This requirement stems from the experience of the EC of past instances where the offending officials did not face any departmental or legal procedures after being withdrawn for improper acts. But one wonders whether the EC has the manpower to involve itself in the paperwork as well as the investigation required to draw up proceedings against an errant official.
There is indeed a need to re-look at the RPO, and we agree with the idea in principle of the EC seeking more powers to conduct election without being dependent or beholden to the government or any of its agencies. However, the suggestions must be considered very objectively, since one should not have more in its hand than one can handle.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments