It is indeed unfortunate that every poll-reform in the country is done only after intervention of Supreme Court. It is also a known fact that opposition in various regimes is at times critic of Election Commissioners termed as own persons of the appointing political rulers. But criticizing opposition fails in duty to modify selection procedure after itself coming to power. Even retired Chief Election Commissioners including also the recently retired Nasim Zaidi always advocated for much-needed reform to ensure perfect neutrality by persons seated on the responsible post. It is indeed surprising that while persons for all other such posts like of Information Commissioners and Vigilance Commissioners are selected by the collegiums, Election Commissioners till now are appointed by ruling central government. Central government should now at least move fast for reform in selection of Election Commissioners by selecting Election Commissioners through a collegiums also consisting of Prime Minister and Opposition Leader, rather than awaiting any further direction or stricture by the Apex Court.
MADHU AGRAWAL