A new Election Commission
The Hon'ble President has appointed a new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and four Commissioners; the reaction of some political parties is predictable. However, those who will assume the reins of the election commission (EC) have long career behind them and may have personal issues but, we believe, it is time to start anew. Admittedly, it is not for the Commission alone to resolve all the problems centring on our elections and politics, and it is the responsibility of all the stakeholders to help the Commission deliver. The task of the new EC is well cut out – holding free, fair and participatory elections.
There is no denying that no one can be politically or ideologically neutral in the true sense of the word. As individual human beings, the newly appointed commissioners may have their own political and ideological leanings and predilections. However, once they assume office of the CEC and Election Commissioners, into which they have been thrust by chance, they have to rise to the occasion and deliver as per their obligations.
Regrettably, the outgoing EC has left the people down. It has done nothing during its tenure for the new EC to emulate. We hope that the CEC and Commissioners designate would keep this in mind.
We also hope that the EC is fully aware of the historic nature of its responsibilities. The taste of the pudding, as the famous proverb goes, will be in the eating. What it delivers will determine whether it has lived up to the nation's expectations.
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