The success of a democracy can be measured by the quality of governance. The quality of governance depends upon the integrity, dedication and efficiency of the legislators. Since a democracy is based on the proportional system of representation, the legislators are the mouthpiece of the voters. They have been virtually given unquestioned authority — a “blank cheque” as it were —by the electorate. Therefore, the least voters should expect and demand of the legislators is that their trust is not betrayed by the latter. Very often the sole determinant for the selection of candidates by major political parties is the candidates “winability”. If the candidate can win and add to the tally of the party — other considerations such as lack of merit, a tainted image, lack of integrity, criminal antecedents, a past record of corruption, and so on — are generally overlooked. Yet, every candidate who is fielded candidate acts as a brand ambassador or his/her party and if victory has a spin-off effect on the party’s image, since such a win is perceived by the voting public as its popularity. Therefore, voters owe it to themselves and to the nation at large that the candidates who are blemished by criminality, corruption and are not deserving are weeded out and the system. They should promote only honest, efficient and dedicated candidates. In order to ensure that the deserving get their due, voters must question the political parties and candidates on the following basis: • Has the candidate fulfilled his past election promises, or has merely made false promises and hoodwinked the electorate? • How many Parliament sessions has an outgoing MP, seeking another term attended? What issues did he/she raise in Parliament, did these cover the constituency’s core concerns? If addressed, to what degree of success? • The specific use to which the discretionary fund of Rs 2 crore available with them has been put to. • Does the lifestyle of the legislator indicate that he is endowed by wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income? If so he obviously is corrupt. India being a heterogeneous society, with a composite culture, women, minorities and small ethnic groups must find sufficient representation. This will ensure that no section remains marginalised. Sadly, this has not happened. Also, in spite of major political parties agreeing to grant 33 per cent seats to women, none has implemented the provision. As regards the minorities the problem is less grave even many of those political parties labelled “communal” are going all out to woo the minority vote bank. Finally, it is important to remember that any election can be conducted properly only if all the candidates and parties honour the moral code of conduct in its letter and spirit.
