Elections to recall panchayat presidents

In India, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh states have legislations whereby panchayat presidents can be recalled through a process of elections. In Chhattisgarh, two years after a president is elected the process of recall can be initiated. Three fourths of elected representatives can apply to a designated government official. After varification he can recommend state govt. to go ahead. Elections are then conducted through Election Commission to see whether people want the recall. If the recall is voted for then a new president is elected by the normal process. Such a election was conducted in some panchayats in Chhattisgarh and four presidents were recalled.

This is not a foolproof process. It too is spewn with dangers and potential misuse by vested interests. It may also not be applicable on a larger scale or for larger constituencies like assembly or parliament. But it is one of  the ways of exploring modalities to ensure that elected representatives do their work or get voted out of office. It once again incite people to think and get involved in timely evaluation of their elected representatives.