The Hindu Business Line : CEC's misgivings over independent candidates

INDEPENDENT candidates are above the anti-defection law, and therefore, "it is advisable to consider whether they can be prevented from contesting the elections at least to the highest legislative bodies such as the Lok Sabha," says Mr T.S. Krishnamurthy, Chief Election Commissioner.

He expressed the opinion at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Vizag Jornalists' Forum here on Monday. In response to a query as to whether independents should be banned from contesting the polls, he clarified that the anti-defection law did not apply to them, but it was necessary to have some regulation.

Mr Krishnamurthy said there were certain democracies in the world where independent candidates could not contest. Such a move could be debated upon in India too, he said.

On the question of criminals and the corrupt contesting the elections and holding high offices, the Chief Election Commissioner expressed deep concern, and said that, "contesting the elections is not a fundamental right, but a statutory one. It can be suspended in such cases. I see no harm in temporary suspension of the right and legal pundits agree that it is possible."

The CEC said that electoral rolls with photographs of voters were being introduced in a phased manner. "It is being done in Kerala and Pondicherry. We are now extending it two constituencies in Haryana. To check impersonation, we want it ultimately all over the country," he said.

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CEC's misgivings over independent candidates