‘Avowed people can end electoral malpractices’

Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) Chairman Prof Trilochan Sastry on Monday stressed on creating awareness among voters about the consequences of electoral malpractices, which not only promote corruption but also encourage bad governance.

Speaking at the 13th State Convention of Odisha Election Watch (OEW) here, Sastry, a former Dean (Academics) of IIM Bangalore, said politicians or political parties cannot purchase votes if the voters are not available ‘to be sold’.

“Electoral malpractices are deep-rooted. Those can be controlled only if the voters are aware about their rights and the consequences of cash-for- vote practice,” he said.

OEW coordinator Ranjan Kumar Mohanty said the organisation would continue to create awareness to bring required political and electoral reforms and promote free and fair election with active participation of all stakeholders.

Former Health Services Director Dr Seba Mahapatra said a principal challenge in democracy is holding the elected leaders and the Government accountable. In its absence, the society gets bad governance and corruption finds place everywhere and elected representatives get the benefits.

The inaugural session was chaired by former Chief Secretary and core team member of OEW Sahadev Sahoo. He emphasized on more turn out in ethical voting and increased youth participation in the voting process to bring a great change.

In the technical session on ‘Electoral Malpractices: Issues and Concerns’, BJP State general secretary Bhrigu Baxipatra, BJD spokespersons Tejaswar Parida and journalist Ashok Pradhan share views. Prof Surya Narayan Mishra moderated the session.

Former Finance Minister Panchanan Kanungo, Congress leader Ganeswar Behera, CPI (M) leader Santosh Das, BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma and BJD leader Sulochana Das expressed their grave concern over increasing trend of use of money power in elections.

Speakers also focused on antecedent verification of the candidates by Election Commission, strict enforcement of existing laws, necessity of review of Representation of People’s Act and role of all stakeholders to ensure a violence-free election.

Different sessions were chaired by Prof Surya Narayan Mishra, former Prasar Bharati DDG Baikuntha Nath Panigrahi and former DGP Amiya Bhusan Tripathy. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by KK Swain.