How to level the playing field when holding elections is a matter that has troubled us in T&T for a very long time.Governments past and present use the power of incumbency to seek unfair advantage in influencing electoral outcomes.I hazard a guess that such a state of affairs will continue into the foreseeable future unless the law forbids.Another instance of the dynamic tension between "the legal" and "the ethical"! Where the latter falls victim to the former and the morality that is politics reigns supreme!
It is time we emulate the enlightened actions of others. I take the opportunity to highlight excerpts from the code of conduct applied by the Electoral Commission of India to regulate the political behaviour of the party in government in the period leading up to the elections once the date is announced.Here are some useful insights from the Indian code, which we citizens might reflect upon with a view to agitating for the modification of the conduct of elections in the country:
�2 Announcement of new projects, programmes, concessions or financial grants in any form or promises thereof or laying of foundation stones, etc, which have the effect of influencing the voters in favour of the party in power is prohibited.
�2 Simply because a budget provision has been made for a particular project or that the project was sanctioned earlier or announced in the budget does not automatically mean that such projects can be inaugurated or otherwise initiated after the announcement of elections, since they are clearly intended to influence the voters. Such actions if undertaken will be considered a violation of the code of conduct.
�2 No work shall be implemented, if not already not begun in the field. These works can be undertaken only after the completion of the election process. However, if an activity has actually started, it may be continued.
�2 Tenders are not to be finalised during the period of elections.
�2 Grant or lease of Government land is completely prohibited until completion of the election process.
�2 No appointments or promotions in Government/State Enterprises shall be made during this period, without prior clearance of the Commission.
�2 Official vehicles cannot be used for electioneering.
�2 Ministers are entitled to use their official vehicles only for commuting from their official residence to their office for official work provided that such commuting is not combined with any electioneering or any political activity.
�2 Any and all advertisements at the cost of the public exchequer regarding achievement of the party/Government in power are prohibited.
�2 Official work should not at all be mixed with campaigning/electioneering.
It is instructive that the referred list is only illustrative and not exhaustive.It also applies to a large extent in Nepal.One is tempted ask what are we waiting for? We should campaign with energy and haste for consideration and adoption of an electoral code of conduct embracing such ideas!
Winston R Rudder,
Petit Valley