Opinion
The appalling state of the office of the CEC
Shamsher Chowdhury
I have been closely following the unfolding of events at the office of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). The more I probe into it the more agitated I become. What really annoys me is that whenever something goes wrong with any of our high profile public institutions, without exception every one hastens to blame the Administration; office of the CEC is no exception. The media has all the stories as to how the Administration has desecrated the institution alongside the Opposition who have also become hyperactive, and demanding the removal of the CEC etc. All this is fine and I too say that something should be done about it, sooner than later. But what I fail to understand is that each and every one carefully sidetracks the issue of the burden of the guilt, which rests also on the shoulders of the officials concerned or individuals involved.I am unable to understand, as to why people who have been otherwise "successful" prior to their taking up such assignments, involve themselves in such controversial acts, which do cast aspersions on the moral and ethical fibers of their character. What is it that makes them stand through such insult and hatred by the public at large? I guess these people know no better. The ruling Coalition may have this purpose of allegedly using the Commission to gain advantage during the forthcoming elections but surely these high profile officials do realise that in due course they would be simply thrown into the dustbin of history as adversary of democracy and into oblivion. One wonders as to what prompts them to cling to their offices. Are they driven by those compulsive factors that cause hunger for raw power and authority at all costs? It's also a reflection of a kind of cheap and poor mindset. On the other hand I believe if they were to resign today they would become heroes in the eyes of the entire nation. I keep thinking and ask myself: would not they be happier and better off living and passing their time in the comforts of their homes with families? I guess I am being naïve. Some one once tried to explain to me that, chaos, confusion, high tensions and insults are essential ingredients in the lives of people to keep them going to overcome that! Maybe. The whole nation is shocked and mystified by the total disarray at the office of the CEC while none other than the CEC chose to be away from his office on grounds that are shrouded in mystery and confusion. I am not a politician and certainly have no intention of being one ever. It is ridiculous to find that the honourable CEC had not been "even in talking terms" with two of his Commissioners and then suddenly becomes active and calls for a meeting of the entire group of four inclusive of the two who joined the Commission only the other day. I find the entire squabble resembling some cheap and petty dispute with an honourable Judge being at the center of it all! I also shudder to think as to how a newly elected Commissioner on the very fist day of assumption of his office term the high court directive on the preparation of the new voter list as "unlawful"? To say the least, the manner in which the CEC is conducting his business is obnoxious. I often wonder could it be a reflection on the capabilities of the honourable Judge. I wish it is not. While I am thinking about the office of our CEC my mind also races back to the parallel institution in neighboring India. Ever heard anything otherwise of its former chief, Mr. T.N. Seshan who left a permanent impression on the minds of the people of India as the very symbol of courage, honesty, fairplay and justice? I wonder as to what legacy our CEC and his office will leave behind? The working of the office of the CEC has also damaged the image of Judiciary as it continues to flout court orders. Clearly in recent times the CEC has flouted court orders and directives on more than one occasion. The turmoil at the office of the CEC persists. None in the governmental circles, neither the CE of the Administration nor the President of the country appears to be least interested in resolving the standoff and streamlining the messy affairs prevailing at the office of the CEC. The entire Administration seems hell bent upon in bending one of the key organs of the Constitution and in the process leave behind a failed legacy, the burden of which has to be borne not just by us but also by our future generations. I wonder are the heads of our government and state are suffering from the illusion that by not making a move in resolving the debacle at the CEC's office they are being perceived as neutral? If so they are sadly mistaken. The entire crisis is certainly also the result of moral and ethical failings of its key players more than anything else. I find it absurd. The crisis must be resolved. Shamsher Chowdhury is a freelance contributor.
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