He adds: “Recently, some parliamentarians in Britain were found guilty of wrongfully billing the state exchequer for big and small expenses. Some guilty MPs were forced to retire; others were called upon to repay the money. Leaders of political parties are now working along with a vigilant media and civil society groups to cleanse the system, starting with asking tainted MPs to quit office instead of merely trading charges. We, in our country, also need to act to stem the rot¿ It would be in public interest to enact laws to specify pin pointed duties and responsibilities of people’s elected representatives and their political parties. People expect the Election Commission to take a lead in framing relevant laws, which will minimize corruption among elected representatives and make them accountable for their conduct. For this, the EC should take the help of knowledgeable members from the civil society. Sooner it is done the better for the health of our democracy”.

Compiled by Suman K. Jha