THE polling day passed off peacefully. I had regular meetings with the media and with political parties. By then neutrality and firmness of the Election Observer in ensuring free and fair polls had been completely established and the word spread around. While the DM and SP were extremely uncomfortable, the young SDM fully assisted the Observer, even though the SDM’s actions were resented by his superiors and complaints against him were lodged with political bosses of the state. The SDM continued to remain fair and effective, unmindful of consequences. He was later transferred to a remote location on completion of election process.
Counting was arranged in a high school, with ample space being securely fenced. I took my position, in the adjoining makeshift camp office within the school premises, equipped with phones and wireless. The poll agents of the ruling party, specially, were moving freely with their henchmen. One of them was reported to be very close to the CM cum candidate and was both notorious and feared. With each round of results being announced, they would go up to the gate, announce the status to their party followers cheering from outside and return to the counting hall with looks of triumph and invincibility.
Caution advised
I called up a responsible officer of the Election Commission’s office for some advice. I was cautioned to be careful about taking any action, lest any law order situation should ensue. I decided to deal with the matter at my level. I called the DySP manning the gate with his security personnel and asked him to lock the gate for entry of any vehicle and movements of rabble rousers creating a raucous, walking in and out, at will, as this was disturbing the counting process.
By then it was clear who was winning and the poll agent of the CM, was trying to move out. The DySP informed then that the gate is locked and key is with the Observer’s office. The Observer’s camp office was located at a vantage point from where all the activities were fully visible. The agent came to the Observer and bowing with folded hands, sought permission to leave the premises, promising also that they did not wish to return. The DySP opened the gate and they left.
Final announcement
As I was getting ready to make the final announcements local intelligence officials approached me to say that it was no more safe for me to stay in that location, as the winning/ ruling political party had certain plans afoot, perhaps, to harm me physically. I was persuaded to sign papers and complete the formalities from the government Guest House where I was lodged. Despite being persuaded, I completed my task and moved out only after formally signing off and headed straight to the CEO’s office in the State Headquarters, before taking off to Delhi.
I was satisfied that certain unbecoming and illegal practices of parties, violative of the code of conduct, could be stopped and officials contributing to such practices by acts of commission and omission were put on alert, and strictly dealt with, including, removal of biased officials from the election scene, as in this case. The temerity and arrogance, abated albeit temporarily. It created a stigma of a sort for officers, covertly and overtly, favouring candidates.
Rule of law established
All this could happen, only with the remote but virtual rule of law established by the CEC, well beyond pale of any individual. He established the supremacy of the constitutional body. The awe inspiring impact of his personality made him a towering demigod and an apostle of democracy. His unequivocal and unflinching support empowered the Observer to ensure that democracy wins and parties who adopt illegal means are reined in and the electorate is provided the enabling environment to exercise their franchise, fearlessly and fairly.
The enforcing official may be branded as tough, but it is the law that is supreme. It is the might of the law that is to be demonstrated and ensured. It is said that sweeping the steps has to start from the top. Mr Seshan showed us the way. May his soul rest in peace!
