Since I have been living in Canada for the past 10/12 years, I have been observing the quiet political scene here, as compared to the loud and gaudy politics of India. I am not saying that politicians are well behaved or there is no mud slinging in the parliament.
What I am saying is that election times are seen as chance to choose, by the people rather than traffic jams, huge pandals and hoardings all over the place probably accompanied by loud music. The election commission does not ban processions or does not clearly ban the use of posters on public places and traffic signals. At least it is not mentioned on the following website.
There is a code of conduct that is followed. The signs for cadidates are of a prescribed size and are posted only at prescribed places. They do not cover traffic signals.
What is more interesting and worth copying (for once copy the good things of the west), is the fact that political leaders participate in debates on National TV.
I feel India should hold debates for all types of elections starting from municipal to the national. I am not sure if this type debate is part of Indian politics.
The debates should, of course, be mediated and people should judge the candidates based on their behaviour and answers during this debate.
I think we as Indians, should challenge the candidates more. Make them sweat over answers to the real questions that matter and watch out for the standard memorized solutions. Let them face unforeseen controversial questions.
2 comments:
Since the last couple of years, there have been debates of the kind you mention. However they too turn into shouting matches with no real answers coming up. Commitments are freely given since the political candidates are sure that there is no mechanism to hold them to their words later if they don't fulfill the commitments. Also, the vast illiterate population isn't privy to these debates. They are duped by the candidates by offering money or the like. The general feeling among the educated and aware class is that it is immaterial whether I vote or not. The whole system is skewed and my 1 vote doesn't matter. Hence there is extreme apathy.
However, this year the film stars, who I believe have the greatest hold on people, are constantly appearing in public service announcements urging people to study the candidates in their area and make it a point to vote. In our office we are thinking of, informally, announcing some penal action for people who do not vote.
But these initiatives are few and far between to deal with a population such as ours. Attempting change at this pace and in such small measures is greatly insufficient and it will be ages before the system turns around, if at all.
Personally I am trying to continue being optimistic and proactive even while the reality around me seems quite opposed to any change to improve the system.
Thanks. Very inspiring comment. If everyone does their little bit, it will definitely add to the whole.
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