[Marxistindia] memo to ECI

[news from the cpi(m)]

Memorandum Submitted to the Chief Election Commissioner by leaders of Left
Parties on May 2, 2014


Chief Election Commissioner
Election Commission of India
Nirvachan Sadan
Ashoka Road
New Delhi 110 001

Sub: Corrective Action Over Large Scale Rigging During the
Third Phase of Lok Sabha Elections in West Bengal

Sir,

It is with a deep sense of hurt and anguish that we are constrained to
forward the representation of the Chairman of the Left Front Committee,
West Bengal, over the large scale rigging during the third phase of Lok
Sabha elections in West Bengal held on April 30, 2014.

At the outset, let us reaffirm our sense of pride in the overall
credibility of the ECI as a constitutional body and as a custodian of the
democratic rights of our people – their right to cast their votes in free,
fair and peaceful elections.

You must be aware that we have been in constant touch with you to ensure
peaceful, free and fair polls in West Bengal and extended our fullest
cooperation. We have also unhesitatingly complied with all suggestions and
directions of the esteemed Commission.

However, the third phase of election on April 30 has left us in a state of
shock and frustration. We are given to understand that similar sentiments
are expressed by other opposition parties including the national parties.

In the light of what happened during the local elections for panchayats
and municipalities there was widespread apprehension about the integrity
of the election process for Lok Sabha. In the light of our apprehensions
the full commission visited Kolkata, saw for themselves the situation and
had its interactions with different political parties as well.
Subsequently, the Commission initiated certain strong steps including
introduction of certain administrative changes and the appointment of a
special observer.  These steps evoked further hope.

Even though there were some instances of wrong doing in the first two
phases, the reassurance from the special observer that he has ‘appropriate
medicines’ to deal with the situation created a sense of positive
expectation. He elaborated that all measures for security of the voters
and the voting process have been made. All booths will be covered by
either the central forces or micro-observers or video/webcasting.

But the experience on April 30 was completely different. Not only were
complaints ignored and unaddressed by the observers, but the assurance
that not only formal complaints from parties or voters but also response
will be there from the election authorities to media reports were
completely ignored. Throughout the day the visual media telecast dozens of
visuals of actual rigging and manipulation. On no single instance was
there any response. When in the afternoon our representatives met the
special observer he refused to accept any of the complaints and strangely
at around 3.00 p.m. – full three hours before the election was to get
over, announced to the media that polls have been ‘free and fair’ even if
not always peaceful.

It saddens us that not only the political parties but the media in
general, both visual and print, have torn away into the claims of the
special observer. In recent times, never the credibility of the election
commission been brought under so much of question.

Therefore, we demand that to restore the faith of the people at large, the
special observer be withdrawn forthwith and action against the CEO West
Bengal is expeditiously initiated. Further, repoll be held as demanded in
the representation.

These steps are urgently needed not just to ensure the exercise of voting
rights by the people under free, fair and peaceful conditions, but also to
restore the confidence of the people in the institution of ECI.

Hoping you will appreciate our strongly felt concerns and do the needful.

With regards,

Yours sincerely



(S. Ramachandran Pillai), Member, Polit Bureau, CPI(M)
(Nilotpal Basu), Member, Central Secretariat
(D. Raja), National Secretary, CPI