‘Money-muscle-mafia nexus must be broken immediately’
Keeping a tab on election expenses has always been a moot point for electoral reformers as well as the EC. Despite making several efforts, the election Commission has found itself helpless as the power of (black) money has time and again thwarted its attempts to reform the electoral system.
“The few people who are advocating funding during elections are unaware of the fact that this will only increase corruption,” said an electoral officer in Maharashtra.
Ex-election commissioner of Maharashtra, Nandlal said, “Currently, the election process is revolving around the 3Ms — money power, muscle power and mafia power. This nexus needs to be broken immediately,” adding, “Most of the unknown funding that goes into the coffers of political parties comes from industrialists, builders, tax evaders and black-marketers.”
There are over 20 election reforms that have been proposed, such as barring of candidates with criminal records and auditing expense accounts of candidates and making these public. “The SC’s recent clampdown on criminals is considered to play a vital role in electoral reforms, but we still have miles to go,” said Mayank Gandhi, activist and AAP member.
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