Chief Election Commissioner wishes for more dynamic electoral law

Zaidi, who was speaking a day after assembly elections concluded in five states, including the crucial Uttar Pradesh, said the Commission noticed that many people tried to be “tangential” to the model code of conduct in these polls, thus sidestepping its provisions. 

“Election management, social and political situations are dynamically evolving and it is likely that in future some law is needed to deal with a particular situation... it is desirable,” he said. But at the same time he rejected suggestions that the Commission is not equipped to deal with issues of electoral violations. 

“You cannot say Commission at present is ill-equipped. It is equipped with a framework and strict implementation will continue. But depending upon the situation arising from election to election, new legal framework may be needed,” he said. The poll watchdog has also evolved a framework based on verdicts and directions of the courts.

 “It has become a guiding law. Model code remains an effective instrument...when you start taking action against some, others get the message,” Zaidi said.