Jagan Mohan Reddy ‘regrets’ backing EC appointment bill in 2023, says democracy needs trusted institutions

VIJAYAWADA: Former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has called for a rethink of the process of appointing Election Commissioners, saying recent reports of differences within the Election Commission have raised serious questions about the functioning of the electoral system. He suggested that the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, which his party had supported at the time, should be revisited. Jagan regretted backing the Bill in Parliament.Speaking to the media after meeting the State Election Commissioner (SEC), Jagan said democracy could function only when people had complete confidence in constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission. He said reports in the national media that two Election Commissioners had raised objections on several occasions over decisions, electoral rolls and the management of ECINet had led to doubts among the public.“Rather than an exchange of allegations, the public needs clarity on what objections were recorded, what action was taken on them, and how transparently the system functioned,” Jagan said.He said greater clarity was needed on the process of adding, deleting or restoring names in electoral rolls. “Steps are needed to give people confidence on these matters,” he said, adding that public trust in the electoral process must be strengthened and every citizen’s right to vote protected.Jagan said transparency should not only prevail but should also be seen to prevail in a democracy.He urged the Centre to amend the law and restore a three-member selection committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and the Chief Justice of India for appointing Election Commissioners.Jagan said the appointment process should inspire confidence and be perceived as neutral. Citing the principle that a student appointing an examiner could invite allegations even if the examiner was completely honest, he argued that a neutral appointment mechanism would help restore the Election Commission’s standing and public confidence in the institution.He also alleged that the ruling party had misused its authority during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process in Andhra Pradesh and claimed that several appeals by his party had gone unheard.Referring to the local body elections, Jagan alleged that objections raised by the Opposition over the redrawing of divisions had also been brushed aside.“Such actions undoubtedly weaken public confidence in the electoral process,” he said. Jagan added that transparency and accountability were the true measures of an institution’s functioning in a democracy and that safeguarding them should be the Election Commission’s primary duty.Jagan said he had apprised the SEC of the situation in the state, alleging that candidates were not being allowed to file their nominations. He said the SEC had assured him that anyone willing to file a nomination would be given an opportunity.“We have lodged a complaint with evidence showing how YSRCP candidates were not allowed to file nominations. We will also meet the Governor later in the day,” he said.Jagan alleged that free and fair elections were not possible under the present dispensation and demanded the deployment of central forces and CCTV coverage throughout the election process.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Vijayawada | Silver Rate in Vijayawada | Bank Holidays in Vijayawada | Public Holidays in Vijayawada | Petrol Price in Vijayawada | Diesel Price in Vijayawada | CNG Price in Vijayawada | LPG Price in VijayawadaStay updated with the latest Vijayawada news. Download the TOI App.