Direct democracy, a system of governance in Switzerland can be opted under special circumstances like low population density, an educated electoral and crystal clear political ideology. Punjab government’s decision to get the village Sarpanches (Village head) elected indirectly through the elected village Panches (Members) seems cropped out of any political conspiracy. Basically, it is in contradiction to the spirit of Panchayati Raj System.

Generally the elections for Panches and Sarpanches are conducted on the same day using the single ballot paper. So the cost wise there will be no saving at all. It will help reduce violent incidences and caste divide during election, the pretext given by the Punjab government, is totally unconvincing and away from the truth. Some of the village Panch seats are already reserved for people of lower class communities and women. So the caste based divide already exists in the state. I opine, the indirect election of the Sarpanch will pressurize the Panches and the divide between Panches will further deepen the caste divide in the village. What will happen to the villages where Sarpanch seats are reserved for lower class communities or women? If the elected group of Panches sans the person eligible for the post of Sarpanch or consensus on a particular candidate, election process will be in vain.  

Political inference and rigging will be easy for the state government, if Sarpanches are elected indirectly i.e. through Panches. Only state sponsored Sarpanches will be able to get elected, the others, who may be better, will be cornered. It will foster groupism among villagers. Many would-be Sarpanches will help the other Panches to get elected by hook or crook to materialize their final victory as Sarpanches. It will promote rigging and paralyze democracy at grass-root level.

If the Sarpanch is elected out of the elected Panches, the Sarpanch will look after the people who voted for him/her. Village, being a small place where everyone knows everyone, will be divided on the basis of who have voted for the Sarpanch and who have not. Only limited people will have the direct access to the Sarpanch. They have to accompany the Panch they elected if they wish to visit the Sarpanch. Sarpanch will be only responsible to his/her area members but not to all. Even during fund allocation, there will be chances of discrimination.

Indirect election of the Sarpanches will start the era of coalition village panchayats in the state. Money will be the only power. Buying and selling of the Panches will be there. Ultimately, it will hamper the spirit of democracy and open the ways to deceive the poor and innocent electoral.    


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