As much a question of legality as of credibility

That the CEC failed to perceive the enormity of the impending crisis is rooted in the fact that it took a Supreme Court verdict on the High Court order for him to come to his senses. But now the question that haunts us is whether he has come to his full senses yet. It is indeed a pity that we have to argue on legal points of an issue with a judge of his seniority though he should have been able to comprehend the outcome with complete ease and spontaneity. As a person entrusted with the noble work he should have been able to foresee the consequences of his not abiding by the ruling of the High Court. It would be saying the least that he has brought the credibility of the EC and himself under a thick cloud of controversy. To all intent and purpose the EC should have been kept above controversy.

We feel a great deal of time and energy has been lost already. Election is as much an issue of legality as one of credibility. So, we wish to address the CEC and say: People are no longer confident that you can deliver a free and fair election. They have lost faith in you. Perhaps it is time you stopped throwing your weight around in a quixotic manner and took your decision to quit in the best interest of the nation.

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