The recent elections were supposed to make or break Goans and while we await the results, chances are the latter has happened yet again. We might have elected the same old Charlies with some new faces here and there. Does not mean we write off Goans completely, as there is a percentage of Goans seeking real change and even though their number is increasing every election, it is not growing exponentially, thereby failing to reach the threshold mark needed to bring a 360 degree change.
So after 50 years from now if some unbiased historian wants to dig up facts to find out why Goa although exists on paper but in completely different form and without Goans, then this piece should help them understand who are the culprits responsible for Goa’s downfall, while we as a society has allowed them to roam freely without taking any blame. For the record, reams of papers have been used to fix the blame of Goa’s ruin on politicians and government servants, so very easy for any historian to play inky pinky ponky and pick up any paper that will show how politicians have messed up Goa. Unfortunately not much has been written about grassroots greed that is also responsible for Goa’s doom.
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Grass root greed simply means the ordinary Goan voter that indulges in taking cash for votes. Every strategy and relentless enlightenment of the community through this publication and others come to a big naught if Goans do not realise that exchanging votes for cash tilts the balance in the favour of the corrupt and non performing politicians. Worse part is those who have received money all these elections have mostly remained under the radar while our focus remains only on politicians that offer. Just because Goans take small amounts compared to politicians hefty sums does not mean we condone the receiver, both need to be equally condemned for the mess. Therefore when history will be written on the demise of Goans from Goa both the wholesale and the retail corrupt need to be taken to task in equal measure.
How do we put an end to this mess? Well, there are many ways, but mostly you need the will to eradicate this menace. One would think the Election Commission is best suited to do the job, but unfortunately it treats elections in Goa as a temporary assignment, similar to a circus, erect temporary canopies and focus on cosmetic changes, so as to make sure we elect the same old clowns. Once elections are over they pack their bags and we are made to endure the circus for the next five years. If the Commission were in permanent work and watch mode, by now they would have improved the conduct of the elections so as to eliminate the voter bribes long ago. Inducement is unique to Goa because of the small size of voters in each constituency and therefore a standard operating procedure followed to conduct elections in other parts of the country will not work, we need unique solutions.
The Election Commission has so far focused only on pampering voters to encourage them to come out and vote, while putting very little effort in creating a level playing field. While we easily shame people who choose not to go out and vote, we remain largely silent on those who have made it their business of putting a price on their votes. If the Election Commission role is to conduct free and fair elections then they have failed miserably in this endeavour because money changes in plenty and that is certainly not fair. If they are remorseful and sincere in their work then they can still salvage the situation, might not benefit this time, but will surely bring down corruption in elections the next time. Here’s how.
Coordinate with the law enforcement agencies because they usually have all information and visit individuals that indulge in money distribution. These distributors are nothing less than drug peddlers or match fixers who with the force of money are robbing our Generation Next future. Also arrange visits to each and every house in Goa and get a signed undertaking from each household that they have not received money in exchange for votes. While some hardcore might lie on the face, many Goans indulging into this activity will get rattled that their actions have invited government agencies attention. The effect of this exercise will be known in future elections.
Actually in these elections political parties have done better than voters, they have signed affidavits, promised in front of religious institutions that they will not abandon and although it remains to be seen how long they will stay committed to the cause, at least pressure has been put on them. Meantime voters have had a jolly good ride, with the new circus in town they have made the most, while some going to the extent of taking the dough from all candidates. If these people are allowed to make a mockery of the elections than the Election Commission is taking the genuine voter for a jolly ride.
Goans also must understand that there is certain joy in working hard for your money, especially the Generation Next, yes there is unemployment, inflation is biting and the bribe money you receive can be a temporary reprieve, but in these elections there was a choice, you could have chosen the path of doing volunteer work for a political party and get paid for your hard effort, but taking bribe is definitely not on. Thank your stars that the society has still not considered voter bribe a big deal. But now the time has come to remedy this problem because large corruption is usually done to feed retail corruption. If we want to be on the right side of history then institutions and society in general will have to find a way to end this menace, otherwise our doom is certain.
(The author is a business consultant)
