BJP leader L. K. Advani on Sunday batted for introduction of compulsory voting in the country and said those failing to exercise their right to franchise should be barred from voting in future.
“I have seen elections from 1952. I have also studied election processes of other countries. I had recommended that compulsory voting should be introduced in the country,” Mr. Advani said addressing a gathering in Ahmedabad. “Not only compulsory voting, there should also be some punishment for those who do not vote. In some countries, there is a fine, but in India there are many poor people. So I had suggested that those who do not vote should be barred from voting in future,” he said.
“I hope that the new government will look into the issue of compulsory voting,” Mr. Advani said.
As part of electoral reforms, candidates should be given election grants to curb expenses. “Nowadays one cannot imagine the amount spent on polls.
To curb this, grants should be given to candi-dates.”
