The two issues
This refers to the two issues which deserve attention of the media the election manifestoes of the political parties and the information regarding the candidates, their assets and antecedents, notably the criminal past, if any made available in the affidavits, filed by them. The two issues, which get a low priority, are clearly seen as falling in the substantive category.
The manifestoes are not considered vote-catchers but these documents, drafted with great care, do provide an opportunity for meaningful discussion on the plans, programs and priorities of the parties. Could there be any doubt about the significance of the party positions on economic, security and foreign policies?
Citizens now have a little fundamental right to know the antecedents of the candidates an important input in the process of making an informed choice. True, some high-profile cases attracted the media's attention but it was thoroughly disproportionate to the efforts put in by public-spirited sections to secure the right to information on the antecedents of the candidates and the importance of the disclosure regime. There is the need for more election watch groups to be set up in each district and for the media to take adequate notice of their activities.
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