That our electoral system requires an overhaul has commonly agreed upon. While the focus is on a major overhaul, which is not likely to happen in the current political scenario, there are minor, yet important changes that can be made without much ado. Let us try and discuss a few of them,
No Candidate should be allowed to contest in more than one constituency at a time. The current practice of candidates standing in multiple constituencies, winning in both, and then resigning from one of them leading to a needless bye election is a criminal waste of money. Why should we , the tax payers, have to pay for the insecurities of the politicians? The Election commission can easily modify the requirements on the eligibility criteria that ensures a candidate standing in only one constituency.
The parliaments tenure can be reduced to 4 years, instead of the current 5. Today, an MP or an MLA knows that he doesnt have to go back to the people for 5 long years and has absolutely no accountability. Having a referendum at the end of 2 years with an option on recall the MP/MLA will keep them on their toes.......................... to be continued
