Ordinance seeks to keep out non-serious presidential candidates

President Shankar Dayal Sharma on Friday promulgated an ordinance to substantially increase the number of proposers, seconders as well as the security deposit for presidential and vice-presidential candidature.

Under the Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections (Amendment) Ordinance, 1997, the number of proposers and seconders for presidential candidates have been increased to 50 each (as against the earlier 10), and the security deposit to Rs 15,000 (earlier deposit Rs 2500).

For the vice-presidential candidates the number of proposers and seconders and amount of the security deposit have been increased to 20 each and Rs 15,000 respectively.

Further, both proposers and seconders must be members of the electoral college comprising elected members from the state assemblies and Parliament.

The Election Commission had been expressing concern that many non-serious candidates were entering the fray in every election.

In 1969, out of the 17 who contested the election, nine could not poll even a single vote. In 1987, 69 out of the 72 nominations were rejected.

Similarly in 1992, 12 out of the 16 nominations were rejected.

The new ordinance, it is hoped, would put a stop to such attempts and ensure smooth polls.

UNI