Come November and Chief Election Commissioner J.M. Lyngdoh will oversee what may be his last round of elections before he retires early next year. In an exclusive interview to Murali Krishnan, the Magsaysay award-winner explains how the forthcoming assembly elections in five states will be different from any other election held till now. Excerpts:
How different will this round of assembly elections be now that candidates have had to declare details of their financial liabilities and criminal background?
Do you really think this will improve the quality of politicians and give people an informed choice?
In real terms, do you think the Election Commission can keep a tab on the expenses of the candidates?
How will this information reach the common man?
What has been the reaction of the political class to the commission's effort to make elections clean and transparent?
Of the five states going to the polls, which has been the most problematic in terms of non-compliance with the Election Commission's directives?
What in your view are the weak links in the country's electoral process?
How do you determine what is propaganda and what is genuine dissemination of information?
Do you regret that you will not oversee the general elections next year?
Do you have any political ambitions?
