We need to have immediate deterrence: Nasim Zaidi

Interview with Chief Election Commissioner

Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi tells Aditi Phadnis bribery should be made a cognisable offence so that those trying to influence elections through “gifts” are jailed as soon as they are caught.

The government has enormous power in the implementation — and circumvention — of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). This election has seen the Election Commission writing several times to the government on the alleged or apprehended violation of MCC. I would not say confrontation, but the EC has questioned many of the government’s decisions — on the timing of the Budget, on Cabinet announcements.

The code of