EC emphasises for banning of criminals from electoral politics

BHUBANESWAR: “Banning of criminals from electoral politics may solve 95 per cent of the problem of the country which are created by the politicians and his fellows,” said Election Commissioner HS Brahma while addressing the house at the 8th National Conference on ‘Electoral and Political Reforms’ organised by National Election Watch (NEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) here on Saturday.

Brahma said the time has come to impose ban on criminals from electoral process, because the elected representatives having criminal background are creating various problems including crimes such as murder, dacoity, rape, violation of human rights and corruption to get fund from different sources. “If we debar the criminals to take entry in active politics from Panchayati Raj election and Municipal election to Legislative and Parliament election, 95 per cent problem of the society will be solved,” he added.

He also emphasised on political and electoral reform in the country. He expressed grave concern over expenditure of huge money in general election by the politicians, criminalisation of politics and spending money for their favourable coverage in media which is now termed as paid news syndrome.

On the issue of horse-trading for Rajya Sabha poll in Odisha, he said the Election Commission has sent the documents and evidences relating the issue to the Odisha Government and they hope the State Government will take immediate action on this matter.     

Following the inauguration of the two-day conference by Election Commissioner Brahma, five thought provoking sessions were held on its first day. The top politicians, police officers, bureaucrats, social activists, media professionals and members of the Election Commission participated in the discussions.

The members discussed about money power in elections, political party reforms, role of media in ensuring free and fair elections and role of youth in democracy during the sessions. The State representatives of National Election Watch of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Goa and Manipur also shared their experiences during the recent assembly elections.