I am reading in the newspaper that the Speaker of the House of the People, Mr. Somnath Chatterjee, has expressed his support for the right of the people to recall their representatives in the legislatures. To quote him, “The people who elected him should also have the right to say, ‘I sent you to perform but you have let me down, so come back.’”
With all due respect to him, the idea is a really brilliant, if not original concept. The principle of recall already exists in the United States, as far as my limited knowledge of its politics goes. Indeed, the people should not be expected to be encumbered by the incompetencies of their representatives (sounds more like an insult than an honour, given the quality of these blokes) for five years. Give them the chance to recall the fool, if he/she isn’t performing to their expectations. I do feel that if this idea is implemented, not just on paper, but also in reality, then there will be a huge increase in the accountability that elected representatives will have to bear with respect to their duties towards their constituents.
However, I am cognizant that in our country wherein elections are such an expensive affair, and having them even once in five years is like a burden, expecting the State to bear such a burden once every two or three years is simply not practical. Moreover, the people do have an implicit right of recall; only this right can be invoked only when the next elections for the legislative body concerned come around. Heck, if you aren’t happy with the way the bloke’s worked; don’t elect him the next time, as simple as that.
Again, the fact’s that our populace isn’t as educated as one would like it to be, if such a scheme is to be introduced. When I mean educated, I am not implying an academic education, but a general awareness of one’s rights and responsibilities towards one’s society, and one’s nation. Until such awareness can be perceived, introducing any such scheme, no matter how well-meaning it may be, will be in vain.
With all due respect to him, the idea is a really brilliant, if not original concept. The principle of recall already exists in the United States, as far as my limited knowledge of its politics goes. Indeed, the people should not be expected to be encumbered by the incompetencies of their representatives (sounds more like an insult than an honour, given the quality of these blokes) for five years. Give them the chance to recall the fool, if he/she isn’t performing to their expectations. I do feel that if this idea is implemented, not just on paper, but also in reality, then there will be a huge increase in the accountability that elected representatives will have to bear with respect to their duties towards their constituents.
However, I am cognizant that in our country wherein elections are such an expensive affair, and having them even once in five years is like a burden, expecting the State to bear such a burden once every two or three years is simply not practical. Moreover, the people do have an implicit right of recall; only this right can be invoked only when the next elections for the legislative body concerned come around. Heck, if you aren’t happy with the way the bloke’s worked; don’t elect him the next time, as simple as that.
Again, the fact’s that our populace isn’t as educated as one would like it to be, if such a scheme is to be introduced. When I mean educated, I am not implying an academic education, but a general awareness of one’s rights and responsibilities towards one’s society, and one’s nation. Until such awareness can be perceived, introducing any such scheme, no matter how well-meaning it may be, will be in vain.
3 comments:
The concept of recall, in my view is as self defeating as it sounds empowering.
Recall, in my opinion is just another word for reducing the term of our elected representatives.
Today we can have a recall in 1 year, tommorrow, if tht doesnt work, some might want elections every six months..
It doesnt work this way. Any elected representative must be given time to do his/her work.
There are many tasks that simply take time. Often the public are guilty of being impatient.
The concept of recall only adds to the chaos.
Under such a scenario, an MP/MLA may want to focus of developmental work that is more tangible than others (and not necessarily important!)
FOr example, people were sometime ago won over by building flyovers by the dozen. Its quite another story that many of these only add to the traffic jams.
We figured that out in some time.
That is why elected representatives need time.
If the performance level doesnt match expectations, throw them our after five years! Simple.
Neeraj Jain
I agree with you, but mind you, I haven't spoken in favour, nor has the man whom I have quoted, of any particular scheme of implementing recall. This system already exists in many developed countries, with minimal chaos. The basic idea here is to return the power back to the people. If you would care to read the last paragraph again, I have also acknowledged your grudge that the people are simply not aware or educated enough to comprehend the real need of the hour. Again, I have also acknowledged that it is much more better to throw an ineffective representative at the end of five years than to impose an additional burden on the exchequer when there's no guarantee the alternative is any better.
Still the idea of recall deserves a serious thought, and if well implemented, could make a serious difference.
hey, instead of a recall, here's what i suggest...
let the elected candidate set a timeframe to fulfil his promises one by one...
and if he fails to deliver, let the next candidate in line take over...
but before giving the baton to the rival candidate, let it be passed on to someone(from the same party) deputed as his successor...
if this person also fails to deliver, then the post can be given to person from the rival party...
what say???
this saves time and money too, as it doesn't burden the exchequer or the ec...
Post a Comment