Right to Reject an interesting possibility: Quraishi
Team Anna's demand for incorporating Right to Reject a candidate in Parliament and assembly elections is an "interesting possibility", feels Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi.
December 26, 2011 / 17:53 IST
Team Anna's demand for incorporating Right to Reject a candidate in Parliament and assembly elections is an "interesting possibility", feels Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi.
He, however, finds that their plea for Right to Recall can lead to political instability. He also says that nothing should be done to weaken institutions of democracy and Parliamentary supremacy should not be questioned. Quraishi said the Commission has a "mixed" feeling on the plea for Right to Reject. "If it leads to too many elections, we have our reservations. Anna group has met us. They told us that Anna's point of view is that money power is a major issue and that is disturbing everybody including EC," he told PTI in an interview. Besides, if the Commission is not able to debar criminals in the absence of a law to that effect, at least people can reject such a candidate who has spent crores of rupees. Their disqualification from contesting will be a deterrent. Quraishi said, "Now there is an interesting possibility there. The issue needs to be examined. He, however, added that there will be many legal issues subsequently which could be gone into. In this connection he said the Commission has suggested inclusion of a button in the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) that provides for the choice of "none of the above" candidates for electors, which option was earlier available under the ballot paper system. Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
