Applause for Election Commission

If the democracy is to flourish, elections must be voluntary, fair and free and the people have to play an enviable role in bringing a political party to power has been proved this time by the Election Commission as witnessing there key role in society, spreading awareness among the common masses regarding their inalienable fundamental right to vote and projecting that to cast a vote is a privilege and not an obligation. Rather people were made aware of the model code of conduct enabling them to point out wrongdoings, if any, done by the political parties vying for power. Hence it goes without saying that the Election Commission ensured the highest standard of morality and purity mandate towards free and fair assembly elections held in Punjab.
It has been observed perhaps for the first time by the public in Punjab appreciating the norms laid in the Model Code of Conduct in the Parliament Elections during campaigning and on the polling day. It is also worth praise for the State Election Commission officials ensuring having check on the corrupt practices of any bribery or undue influence by way of coercion or intimidation of voters in Punjab at behest of political parties. Hence witnessing the colossal turn out of commons on the polling day is the result of the confidence among the electoral-voters. The step initiated to give importance to the voters at the polling booths is worth praise. Infact State Election Commission officials deserve appreciation for their ongoing outstanding professional services over the prompt action on poll violation complaints and making understand voters that the Electoral Commission officials do not come under any pressure from political parties and above all it goes in favour of the Election Commission that there has been no issue raised in the State of Punjab for re-polling within any constituency.
(The Author is Practicing High Court Lawyer & Former Addl. Advocate General, Punjab.)