Article gist : Voter bribery is seen across our country, only more visible in Tamil Nadu. It is time for all involved institutions to act before this cancer kills us from inside.
A vote is a citizen’s ultimate weapon. It is the only time when the citizen’s voice is heard in a democracy. Some of our fellow citizens from Tamil Nadu are willingly giving up their weapon for cash. Since May 2016, elections for four seats has been cancelled so far.
May 2016 : Assembly Election – Aravakurichi & Thanjavur
April 2017 : By-Election – Chennai RK Nagar
March 2018 : General Election – Vellore
Legally, Acceptance of money to vote for a candidate is a corrupt practice of bribery under Section 123 (1) of R. P. Act, 1951. It is also an offense under section 171-B of Indian Penal Code and is punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or both.
It is pretty clear that above law has not deterred voter bribery. We read news on cash being seized and politically connected people (low profiles) possessing cash being arrested. How often do we hear about voter arrest and prosecution for bribery charges. We need to start attacking this menace before this kills the democracy like a cancer from inside.
Law is just a collection of letters. It gets a life of its own only when the investigating agency, regulatory authority, society and judiciary understand and give it due respect. Police and Election Commission should act with vigor and charge politicians and voters for perpetrating bribery. In my opinion both are equally culpable in such crimes.
As a civil society, we need to do our part in considering voter bribery as a social evil. It is NOT OK to accept cash for votes – It does not give your and my vote the significance it deserves. Also it robs the non-bribing deserving candidate (hope there is one) of his/her opportunity to represent people.
To those who argue, it is our money which politicians (accumulated by corruption) are returning – think again. Your acceptance encourages him/her to continue being corrupt and garner more returns on their investment. Welcome to the cycle of corruption !!
Finally, the judiciary should treat social malaise such as these with stringent punishment possible. Let us hope our judiciary cancels their Summer vacation (entire May) and works for common voter like us in this election season !!!
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References
https://eci.gov.in/faqs/elections/contesting-for-elections/faqs-contesting-for-elections-r4/
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Well written Balajee. After covering all institutions, corruption has started attacking at the very base of democracy-The voter. The urban elite by not voting make easy the task of corrupt politicians to indulge in vote buying and ensure victory. As rightly suggested, the bribe taker[Voter] has to severly punished.
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