AAP MP Raghav Chadha Demands ‘Right to Recall’ for Voters to Remove MPs and MLAs; Says System Exists in 24 Countries

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Wednesday raised a significant democratic reform proposal in Parliament, demanding the introduction of the “Right to Recall” system in India. The proposal aims to empower voters with the right to remove elected representatives such as MPs and MLAs if they fail to deliver on their promises or neglect their constituencies.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Chadha said that democracy should not end at the ballot box and argued that voters must have the power to withdraw their mandate if an elected representative does not perform satisfactorily.

What is the ‘Right to Recall’?

The Right to Recall is a democratic mechanism that allows voters to remove an elected representative before the completion of their term through a formal recall process. According to Chadha, this would ensure greater accountability and prevent elected leaders from ignoring the public after winning elections.

“If an elected MP or MLA fails to satisfy the people with their work, voters should have the authority to remove them from office,” he stated.

Chadha Says System Exists in 24 Countries

Raghav Chadha claimed that the Right to Recall is already practiced in around 24 countries across the world, though its scope differs from nation to nation. In some countries, the recall mechanism applies even to Presidents, while in others it is limited to lawmakers or local bodies.

He also pointed out that in India, the system is already in place at the grassroots level in certain states like Rajasthan and Karnataka, where voters can recall representatives at the panchayat or local body level.

‘An Insurance System for Voters’

Chadha described the Right to Recall as an “insurance system” for voters, ensuring that elected leaders remain answerable to the people throughout their tenure.

He said the provision would give citizens a sense of security that if their representative becomes inactive, corrupt, or indifferent after elections, the public has the constitutional power to revoke the mandate.

“This will ensure that elected leaders cannot forget their voters after winning elections,” he added.

However, reports suggest that many members in the House appeared unconvinced by the proposal.

How the Recall Process Could Work

Chadha proposed that the recall mechanism should be activated only if at least 50 percent of the total voters in a constituency support the recall demand.

He argued that since India’s Constitution already provides provisions to remove constitutional authorities like the President and Vice President, it is reasonable to extend similar accountability measures to elected MPs and MLAs.

“If there is a provision to remove constitutional office-holders, why should citizens not have the right to remove their own elected representatives?” he asked.

Countries With Right to Recall Provisions

Chadha listed several countries where recall mechanisms exist in different forms, including:

• United States (in some states and at local level)
• Canada (British Columbia at provincial level)
• Switzerland (in certain cantons)
• Philippines (local level)
• Taiwan (legislators, mayors, and under conditions even the President)
• Japan (local and legislative level)
• South Korea (local level)
• Venezuela, Bolivia, Ecuador (including presidential recall provisions)
• Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Panama
• Latvia, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, Ukraine, Russia
• India and Nepal (limited to local bodies)

He emphasized that although the system varies in scope, the central idea remains the same — holding elected representatives accountable between elections.

Call for Democratic Reform

Chadha concluded by urging the government to seriously consider introducing the Right to Recall for lawmakers in India, calling it a necessary step to strengthen democratic accountability and restore public trust in the electoral process.