Q. Huge amounts of money was confiscated in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Distribution of money and other goods to voters takes place everywhere. How can elections be fought in these conditions? What is the CPI(M) view on this? Thiruchelvan, Thanjavur A. You are right in stating that money power has played a big role in the elections in Tamil Nadu. Both the AIADMK and the DMK have spent money to the tune of hundreds of crores of rupees. The Election Commission had to cancel elections in two constituencies – Aravakurichi and Thanjavur – because of large scale distribution of money and other goods to voters. First the elections were postponed and when the use of money continued, the polls were cancelled in these two seats. But this limited action only shows the enormity of the problem which the Election Commission is not equipped to tackle. The question is how to curb the use of money power? It is necessary to introduce stringent provisions regarding the expenditure incurred by candidates and parties during elections. For this the relevant laws need to be amended. The Election Commission should be given more powers to penalise candidates who indulge in use of money power. Secondly, among the election reforms to be undertaken is the State funding of elections. This funding should be in kind and not in monetary terms. Posters, handbills, manifestos, time in the electronic media, fuel for vehicles for campaign etc can be funded by the State for recognised political parties. There are several proposals for such State funding which should be considered and that which has wide acceptance should be adopted. This would be a major step in electoral reform. Thirdly, there should be a change in the present electoral system which is constituency based ‘first past the post’ system. The CPI(M) has been advocating proportional representation with the partial list system. This would mean that there will be 50 percent of the seats in parliament and legislatures filled through the party list of candidates and the rest 50 percent will be territorial seats representatives. In the party list, the percentage of votes the party or alliance gets will determine how many from the list will be elected. There are various types of proportional representation systems in practice around the world. Apart from a full proportional representation system where all seats are elected through the party lists, another proposal in India is a mixed proportional system. Under this a voter will have two votes. One for the party list and the other for the ‘first past the post’ territorial seat. The proportion of party list seats and territorial seats can be decided. The CPI(M) has consistently advocated the proportional representation system as it will do away with the practice of powerful candidates using money and muscle power to influence the polling. The proportional representation system will also ensure better representation for all sections of a diverse society.