Do we need a Presidential System?: The Hindu Debate
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/do-we-need-a-presidential-system/article17617761.ece
Reform the process
The Hindu Debate:
Do we need a presidential
system?
Excerpts:
"Giving
an opinion is one thing. A judgment is a more carefully considered conclusion.
Those who support the presidential system should do their homework when they
argue against the parliamentary system. There is also the matter of separation
of powers. In the U.S., the President, who is also the Supreme Commander, has
the power to veto the Congress. Does India need this? The manner of removing
the U.S. President through impeachment is a very complex process. There is also
the possibility of aggregating more powers to the President.
One could argue that the parliamentary
system too runs a similar risk. I do not think it has been thought over. It is
not on the table yet.
Reform the process
On the other hand, there are ideas going
around about reforming the electoral processes to make democracy more robust.
From limiting expenditure of political parties and deciding the ceiling on the
expenditure, to holding simultaneous elections, declaring the results for a
combination of booths instead of constituencies — I think it is advisable to
debate this and ensure that the gaping loopholes in the electoral processes are
speedily plugged.
The
present parliamentary system has been tried and tested for nearly 70 years.
Rather than change the system, why not reform thoroughly and cleanse the
electoral processes?"
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