Cash for vote: Parties differ over EC powers

There seems to be a difference of opinion among political parties as far as the Election Commission seeking statutory powers to cancel elections over charges of bribe for votes is concerned. While the Opposition Congress has backed the move, the ruling BJP has sought more time to send its views.

At the all-party meeting called by the poll body on Friday, the commission had sought the views of seven national and 35 regional parties to its proposal of amending the Representation of People Act, which will enable it to take appropriate action, including cancellation of polls in the event of incidents of bribery of electors”.

Congress leader Vivek Tankha, who represented his party in the all-party meet, said that the Congress supported strengthening all institutions of democracy. “All steps which will fight and reduce the menace of money power will have the support of the party”.

On the other hand, BJP general secretary Bhupendra Yadav said his party would inform the commission of its stand later even as it said that the term “illegal gratification” be synchronised with all other laws. He said that the Parliament was already considering amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act for this.

Many other parties also expressed apprehension at the EC proposal saying that it at first there needs to be a mechanism to establish foolproof charges of bribery.

The Commission has asked the government to add a new Section 58B in the Representation of People Act, 1951, on the lines of Section 58A, which allows adjournment of poll or countermanding the election on the ground of booth capturing.

As of now, the Commission uses its powers under Article 324 to countermand elections where voters have been bribed in large numbers to influence the outcome.

It might be recalled that the EC had asked the law ministry to add a new section to the Representation of People Act, 1951 for countermanding polls in case where bribes for votes were established.

The R.K. Nagar assembly bypoll in Tamil Nadu was cancelled on the same grounds recently.