Satish Marathe on Thursday said that unopposed elections in cooperative institutions are not inherently problematic, provided the electoral process remains transparent and free from coercion.
Speaking at a technical session organised by the Cooperative Election Authority at Vigyan Bhawan, Marathe said the key concern is not whether elections are unopposed but whether proper democratic procedures are followed.
He emphasised that the definition of “active members” in cooperative societies remains a major issue and has been widely debated in the sector. Participation in share capital and involvement in cooperative activities, he noted, should be considered while determining active membership.
Marathe also pointed out that low member participation during elections is a serious concern, with many members remaining absent from the electoral process.
Drawing a comparison with corporate governance practices, he said shareholders in companies often participate in voting through online or offline mechanisms, suggesting that cooperatives could explore similar systems to enhance participation.
He also underlined the critical role of the returning officer in ensuring free and fair elections in cooperatives.