ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA It is an autonomous body having to perform onerous task of monumental proportions .It does take decisions in consultations with the Govt. about dates of holding elections. In a General Election of these gigantic magnitude , it has to factor in multitudes of tasks .It is fairly fair in its affairs and its integrity, credibility are beyond reproach, It has been praised, commended for its work by foreign agencies and Governments Many a times it comes in for severe criticism specially by the opposition parties accused of pursuing covertly the agenda of the ruling party., Seshan was admonished for not consulting the other members and since then it has been ordained as a joint responsibility, rather than acting with whims and fancies of single member. It has to depend on appointed subordinates to carry out its functions different places in different states. It is sensitive to the integrity of the concerned officers and acts with caution. Some officers who are doubted about their allegiance to the ruling party in the place are shifted; The states cry foul about some decisions of transfers and even defy the writ of CEC In all this exercise of planning, logistics, security, training, right up to the counting of votes, conducting fair and free polls without booth capturing, rigging, intimidation, threats and violence is a gigantic task. In such an exercise of this enormity some slips and oversights are normal, but not intentionally designed. Some re-polls are even being ordered, where there is aberration of the rule. In all this exercise it has to depend on the integrity of its personal , selected and posted on the scene. Just to doubt their credibility because of loud, boisterous noises by the politicians is unfair to these individuals casting aspersions on their character and loyalty to E.C
The EC has to face enormous incidents of election code violations by all parties, The cross and counter claims are exaggerated, demanding vociferously immediate actions, at times extreme remedies, The EC has to check, verify from first hand material and depend on the judgement of appointed officers in situ, When the team is losing, it is always convenient to blame the referee. It is a voluntary code accepted by consensus by all political parties. Yet they defy the provisions with mean personal attacks with derogatory language, appealing to religious and caste politics, Instead of exercising self-refrain , the political parties want to apportion blame to EC for being bias ,soft pedaling, showing undue influence to high profile candidates or the ruling dispensations EC does not enjoy drastic powers to tame any candidates or party for violations .For all practical purposes it has acted within its confines, firmly, admirably admonishing the wrong actions and the candidates concerned, Fortunately the politicians cannot paint the EC with the dirty brush, as the Institutions is not dependent of their survival in office on the dictat of winners or losers The EC in its functions depends on utmost co operation of all political parties and candidates to conduct free and fair polls The greatest dissension is felt from main political parties and their high profile candidates, election agents and managers Everyone feels they are right in their utterances, actions and accusations of voluntary election code of conduct If the parties want to give more specific teeth to so called presumed violations, then be it so through amended statutes. Once the elections are over the din and dust will settle with no party bothering to usher in desirable changes, Under the circumstances the Election Commission and its members are doing a wonderful job in the conduct of greatest general elections in a Democracy. They deserve appreciation for this thankless job Nelson Lopes Chinchinim