NGO Calls for Election Commission to Reinstate Mandatory Scrutiny of Party Manifestos
In a significant move to safeguard democratic principles, the Coimbatore Consumer Cause, a prominent non-governmental organization, has formally urged the Election Commission of India to restore the mandatory scrutiny of election manifestos issued by political parties under the model code of conduct. The NGO has also demanded corrective action against parties that fail to comply, emphasizing that this step is crucial for the larger interest of democracy.
Concerns Over Unchecked Electoral Freebies
Kathirmathiyon, the secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, highlighted in a representation to the Election Commission the widespread and largely unchecked practice of political parties announcing large-scale electoral freebies in their manifestos. He pointed out that these promises are primarily aimed at influencing voters and gaining electoral advantage, a trend that the Supreme Court has taken serious note of. The court observed that such populist promises could shake the very roots of democracy and directed the Election Commission to frame appropriate guidelines to address this issue.
Existing Guidelines and Past Enforcement
In response to the Supreme Court's directive, Part VIII - guidelines on election manifestos - was introduced under the model code of conduct. These guidelines mandate that manifestos should clearly explain the rationale behind promises and broadly indicate the financial means to fulfil them. Additionally, political parties are required to submit hard and soft copies of their manifestos within three days of release, along with a declaration confirming compliance with the model code of conduct.
Kathirmathiyon recalled that during the 2016 Tamil Nadu assembly election, the Election Commission had actively scrutinized party manifestos. At that time, notices were issued to two major political parties for non-compliance, and they were advised to strictly adhere to the guidelines in future elections. However, he noted that in subsequent elections, this scrutiny and enforcement have virtually been abandoned, leading to a lapse in accountability.
Distinguishing Welfare from Freebies
While acknowledging that genuine welfare schemes aimed at poverty alleviation are essential and should be supported, Kathirmathiyon stressed the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between legitimate welfare measures and vote-oriented freebies. He argued that unchecked promises not only undermine fiscal discipline but also distort informed voter choice, ultimately weakening the principles of free and fair elections.
"Unchecked promises undermine fiscal discipline, distort informed voter choice, and weaken the principles of free and fair elections," he stated, emphasizing the need for the Election Commission to take proactive steps to ensure that political parties adhere to the established guidelines.
Call for Action
The Coimbatore Consumer Cause's appeal underscores a growing concern about the integrity of electoral processes in India. By calling for the restoration of mandatory scrutiny and enforcement of manifesto guidelines, the NGO aims to promote transparency and accountability in political campaigning. This move is seen as a vital measure to protect democratic values and ensure that elections are conducted in a manner that upholds the spirit of the model code of conduct.
