Also, the amounts of money spent on elections seem huge only when seen in isolation. e.g.: In the USA the total expenditure for a Presidential, Senate, and House of Representatives campaign in the year 2000 was about $ 1 billion, spent once every four years, but this was, about the same as the USA spends every year on chewing gum. Seen in this context it does not seem too much and is therefore money well spent, to ensure that the people know about the candidate and understand his/her stand on issues that matter to the people. So all that we need to ensure is that the money spent has been collected transparently and is properly accounted for at fixed intervals and within a specified time. Perhaps the Election Commission can be tasked to issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC), based on a report from an Auditor on its panel before the Candidate is declared elected. This is something that is quite doable, within as little as say 10 to 15 days in these days of computerization. To avoid undue delays, it should be the responsibility of each candidate to ensure that such an audit is done expeditiously and in time.

Conclusion

Democracy may not be a perfect system of Governance but it is definitely the best system possible. However, it depends on a well-designed and well-functioning electoral system. Our present electoral system needs to be greatly improved as recommended above for a more equitable and better representative elected body for good Governance at every level of Government.

JAI BHARAT! – JAI HIND!

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