The torrid run-up to the by-election might have created some confusion in the public mind. So we believe that the focus should be on holding a violence-free election that people would look upon as a measure of political maturity on the part of the parties concerned. They will have to be tolerant and ready to accept the results without demur.

The election will not change anything appreciably as the ruling alliance already has a two-thirds majority in parliament. It is, nevertheless, important as the anti-incumbency factor often comes into play on such occasions. People usually put across a message to the ruling party. That said, neither side should be under the erroneous notion that a defeat would mean the end of everything. It should not be allowed to degenerate into a 'battle of ego'.

The parties should have an open mind to accept people's verdict in good grace. They should not be oblivious of the lessons of history which should discourage them to bypass or ignore people's verdict in an undemocratic manner. We want the two parties to exercise utmost restraint in their conduct in the greater interest of democracy. We expect there would be a good turnout with voters casting their ballot in an unfettered manner.

We welcome the HC verdict which is leading to deployment of the army at the polling booths. While ideally we should have been able to do without it, but given the circumstances it was unavoidable. Nothing is more important than to hold a free and fair by-election. All parties concerned should fully cooperate to make this happen.