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From: "Lok Satta" <loksatta@satyam.net.in>
To: "Tirumala Srinivas" <corruptioneradication@yahoo.com>
Subject: update-29th July
Date: Mon, 29 Jul 2002 13:11:53 +0530
Dear Friends,
This is a very brief note to update
you on the latest developments. A more detailed note will follow later this
week:
The meeting in Delhi took stock of
the situation. There was broad consensus that the effort will continue;
ultimately we should work for larger electoral reform agenda; a core team should
be formed; and we should bring grassroots initiatives together and build a truly
viable national platform.
There is some very good news from states. The SECs in Maharashtra and Uttar
Pradesh have issued orders on the lines of Supreme Court judgment in respect of
local government elections. Uttaranchal did one better; they issued an ordinance
broadly in line with the Supreme Court judgment.
Our team met several major party
leaders. The good news is that Congress party seems
to be opposing the draft Bill -partly for the wrong reasons! They are opposed to
disqualification criteria being expanded.
Nevertheless they are now publicly supporting the disclosure norms as enunicated
by the Supreme Court. They are only concerned about the discretion in returning
officers' hands. We did our best to allay their apprehensions. And in any case,
that small problem can be addressed by amendment of Rule 4 of Conduct of
Election Rules, 1961.
CPM also
seems to favour disclosures, and says it is opposed to the current draft Bill.
From the current stand of major opposition parties, it is likely that the Bill
will not progress much further. It may go to a Parliamentary committee, or it
may be a non-starter. Either way, there is a good chance that our immediate
objective of a more detailed public debate on the Bill will be fulfilled.
The sad demise of the Vice President seems to have postponed the all-party meeting due on Saturday. We will know of further developments during the next 2 days.
The major parties are making one
legitimate point: disclosures, however desirable, constitute only a small step
forward. The real issue is comprehensive electoral reform. National Campaign
couldn't agree more. We should therefore focus on curbing polling
irregularities, improving voter registration, and accountable and legitimate use
of money in elections.
Friends in Delhi need to be in close
touch with parties, in particular Congress and CPM. Public opinion strongly
expressed over the past month, media pressure and interaction with National
Campaign have certainly helped shape parties' attitudes. There should be no let
up until this draft Bill is dropped and a genuine electoral reform initiative is
launched.
with warm regards
Jayaprakash Narayan
National Coordinator
Lok Satta
401/408, Nirmal Towers
Dwarakapuri Colony, Punjagutta
Hyderabad - 500 082
Tel:91-040-3350778/3350790
Fax: 91-040-3350783
E-mail: loksatta@satyam.net.in
url: www.loksatta.org
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