AP: LSP to chose candidates by secret ballot for polls

Rajahmundry, May 13: The Lok Satta Party (LSP) National Coordinator Jayaprakash Narayan today said his party candidates would be chosen by the public through secret ballot before being allowed to contest the next general elections.

Speaking to newsmen here, Mr Narayan said this exercise, the first such in the country, will be undertaken from June to September 2008. The aim was to clean up the present system and bring changes to the political set up.

This would put an end to money and muscle power in elections and ensure the election of disciplined and non-corrupt candidates who can serve the needs of the general public.

The LSP would give priority for education and health. His party's main motto was integrated development of the country instead of divisional politics adopted by some.It would have its own ombudsmen committee with judges and scholars who will minitor and suggest ways and means to correct any discrepancies in the polling.

He said each and every paise would be accounted and proper receipts provided to donor. An IT exemption certificate would also provided to them.

Mr Narayan said the 'jalayagnam' (irrigation initiative) should lead to proper usage of every drop of water and should not become 'dhanayagnam' (means for making money).

Though the party stood for a united state, there should be equal development of all regions.

Referring to the special economic zones (SEZ), he said government was not giving proper information on the project and was creating a rift between farmers and industrialists. It should not become a real estate venture.

The LSP will send a represenation to the Prime Minister on the SEZ issue for safeguarding the farmers' interests, he added.

UNI