The word “caretaker” itself describes that this should be a transitional setup to facilitate the transfer of power from one elected government to the other by conducting free and fair elections with the help of an independent and powerful Election Commission. Unfortunately, we have a judiciary embroiled in political controversies, with a paid bureaucracy lacking credentials and not understanding the significance of the oath they take, which is loyalty to the constitution and not any individual. Circumstances demand that there be no more controversies or a repeat of incidents like May 9. However, rumours that a relative of a former PM, who is also the patron of a major political party and part of the current coalition PDM, is being considered for this position are shocking and hopefully not authentic news. A visibly neutral caretaker transitional setup must be put in place to hold free and fair elections, which are generally acceptable and, on the surface, not tainted to begin with.
