juhu_coporator
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NDTV.com
Saturday,
February 3, 2007 (Mumbai):
People
power wins in Mumbai
It's probably the
best example of democracy at work since a people's
candidate has become the people's representative.
Adolf
D'Souza was nominated by the citizens of Juhu and contested as an
independent.
But
unlike other independents, he had help, that made his victory that
much easier and cost him just Rs 70,000.
"It's a
victory for the people," said Adolf D'souza, Corporator.
D'souza
will not have to work alone. Before making any decision, he
will have to consult 37 other local representatives like he did in the
clean up of Mumbai's famous Juhu beach.
What
makes his victory that much more important is that his campaign
was an experiment in participative democracy where people have a direct
say in bringing about the change they want and elect the person who
will make it happen.
"This
is the beginning of a revolution where people are participating
the elections. This is just a taste of things to come," said Asok
Pandit, Filmmaker.
All
that Adolf D'Souza now hopes is that this collective effort will
change the quality of governance and therefore the quality of our lives.