Article by Ajit Ranade published in the Fin.express on July 5

It's About Disclosure, Not Disqualification Election Commission Implements Supreme Court's Order

Last  week,  just  a  few days before the deadline, the Election Commission (EC) issued an order implementing the judgement passed by the Supreme Court (SC)  on  May  2. Through this order, the EC has modified the format of the nomination  papers  filled  out  by candidates seeking to contest election. Candidates must now disclose details of criminal background (if any), their assets,  their  liabilities  to  public  financial  institutions, and their educational qualification.  Failure to do so, or furni Hence  until  the  law  gets modified, the EC 's order will at least ensure some degree  of transparency. It will also mean that public and widespread dissemination  of self-declared criminal background of any candidate cannot attract  libelous  litigation.  Concerned citizens groups, apart from rival parties will  put  some  sunshine  on  shady pasts,  self  declared  via affidavits.  This  can only help, not hinder the democratic process.  It is instructive  to note that government rules already requ If  Indian  democracy aspires to be on par with the advanced democracies of the  West,  we  must not resist steps that enable greater disclosure. After all,  as  a famous poet once said, "what is freedom of speech if the tongue is  cut  off".  Or  what  is  freedom  of the press, if there is widespread illiteracy?  In  that  spirit, what is the meaning of freedom of choice (of electors)  if  that  choice  is
constrained by a  complete  blackout  of information.  Economists  take  pride  in India's  growth.

Ajit Ranade
chief economist
abn amro bank, india
tel: +91.22.281.8008
fax:+91.22.281.8252
ajit.ranade@in.abnamro.com
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