Choosing the President

The process needs to be transparent

In a rare departure from its norm, the government has reached out to the Opposition on a significant issue, the presidential election. It is a commendable gesture, but perhaps it was taken too late in the day. The election is only a month away and names of the candidates are yet unknown. The ruling alliance is expected to announce its candidate and file nomination papers on June 23. Announcing candidacies early would allow the electoral college to get a sense of the people, so to speak, enabling its constituents to make better voting choices. But the Congress, the left and other Opposition groups were contacted just hours before their second meeting on the question of the presidency.

The change of guard at Rashtrapati Bhavan is happening at a time when relations with Pakistan are at a low, the US has an identity crisis and the geopolitical situation in Asia is evolving rapidly. In addition, a polarised polity where unrests and anxieties have become everyday realities, and where institutions are perceived to be under attack, requires the attentions of a statesman who stands taller than the political system. As India stands at a juncture, politically and geopolitically, it is important to choose the right president. But it is equally important to make that choice transparently, so that the new incumbent enjoys widespread confidence.