Many might argue that this process is important to choose the most deserving candidates for the post. Point accepted but with only one question, why is this process of screening and interviewing not implemented while choosing people for the most prestigious job, that of running the nation!
Why is there no criterion, except for age limit, for candidates to contest polls. Why anyone and everyone can just jump into the political scene. Why people with no elementary education, with past criminal records of henious crimes, people accused of creating communal tension and people who know nothing about the nation and its policies, are allowed to contest polls. What can justify the law as per which a person serving a jail term is allowed to contest polls!
While seeking admission to any educational institution or while joining any firm, we are required to fulfill certain eligibility conditions. Like having minimum pass percentage, no past criminal record, etc. Why such eligibility conditions can not be stated for contesting polls?
Shouldn't there be minimum educational qualification requirement, say atleast 12th pass, for every candidate. Shouldn't the candidates have no past criminal record and no pending court cases against them. And shouldn't the candidates be required to abstain from any activity which propagates hatred amongst different communities of the society.
Why the candidates, who aspire to run the nation or their particular constituency, are not exposed to rigrous process of entrance exams. An exam which would test their knowledge about the nation, its constitution, its demographies, its policies and its shortcomings. An exam which would test not only their aptitude but their attitude and just how would they contribute to the growth of the nation. An exam which would help to judge why a particular candidate is better than the rest and why should he be chosen over others to run the nation.
No doubt all this seems very cliched and difficult to achieve. But it is only difficult and not impossible. Small but significant steps in the beginning will eventually lead us to reach the long term target i.e. to have deserving and well qualified candidates to contest the polls.Our Election Commission can start by prohibiting anyone with past criminal records and pending court cases against them from contesting polls. This very step will tremendously reduce the number of candidates. And then the Commission can move ahead with implementation of other eligibility requirements like minimum educational qualification to contest polls.
India is the world's largest Democracy. But the current political scenario makes it more of a mockery than Democracy. Only if the people who are allowed to contest polls appropriately screened and filtered, will the freedom to chose one's own leader be fruitful. Otherwise we will be ruled by a bunch of undeserving politician who fulfill their own self interest at the expense of general public. In my opinion all the campaigns which urge people to use their voting right and bring about a change, should also focus on the other side of the coin. Unless we have right candidates to choose from, who are we suppose to vote for? One vote can make the difference no doubt. But if all candidates are incompetent what difference would our vote make?
