The Election Commission (EC) and the Union Cabinet have shown good sense by raising the ceiling on a candidate's poll expenses to Rs 15 lakh.Although the distinction between a candidate's own expenditure and that incurred by a political party leaves room for colossal violation of the EC's limits, it is heartening that a beginning has been made in defining a realistic level of poll spending. Of course, almost every MP will begin his term in the 12th Lok Sabha by signing a patently false declaration, but at least it will be a smaller lie than before. However, even this attempt at half-truth will be rendered meaningless unless the EC evolves mechanisms to monitor spending by parties. Assuming a national party fields 300 candidates and meets two-thirds of their campaigning costs directly, it will mean a budget of Rs 30 crore. This is not including the expenditure incurred on the travel of star campaigners. Obviously this money is coming from somewhere. The EC must make a determined effort to identify the source of funding - not as a deterrent, but as public information - and ensure proper audit. It is only when political finances are streamlined that the larger issue of corruption can be tackled.It is important to be practical rather than moralistic in dealing with the question of political funding. Democracy may be a necessity rather than a luxury, but it is hideously expensive. The long-term way to cut costs is not merely better policing, but better facilities for the dissemination of a party's message. A 14-day campaign period is inadequate for door-to-door canvassing by the candidates. Constituencies are simply too big. If the electronic media, both at the local and national level, were more sensitive to its role as a channel of public information and debate, elections would end up costing less. If parties spend less, they will accumulate less..preferred-source-banner{ margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}Published By: AtMigration Published On: Jan 12, 1998--- ENDS ---
