Money, muscle big challenges in polls

All election bodies, including that in Bangladesh, now face challenges in checking the influence of muscle power, money and biased media reports while arranging fair and free polls, said a high official of Indian Election Commission.

About the influence of biased media reports, Deputy Election Commissioner of India Umesh Sinha told Bangladeshi journalists at Indian Election Commission office in New Delhi on Tuesday that some media run bad news to turn the election environment in favour of or against somebody.

“Some media, especially local TV channels, in districts try to colour (electoral scenario) by saying somebody is winning or leading, and they also try to malign,” Sinha said.

About the appointment procedure of election commissioners in India, he said, “The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the president. And the senior most civil servants of the country are posted (to EC), normally after their retirement. The officers are with proven integrity and proven experience.“ The Election Commission has to work with all political parties as per the frameworks. Noting that there is constitutional safeguard for the election body, he said there is no influence from any ruling party or the government. All decisions are taken independently by the EC.