The Finance Bill 2017 upped the ante on campaign finance reforms by eliminating caps on corporate contributions and implementing electoral bonds in a sweep of procedural gymnastics. Rule 388 allows the Speaker to let any member move that any rule can be suspended for discussion of a particular matter. Clause (g), however, gives the requisite opening in the fence by allowing “incidental” matters to be included without removing the money Bill status. Electoral bonds are essentially specific-purpose bearer cheques that allow citizens and domestically controlled companies to give “accounted for” money anonymously. And in the end, that, the preservation of openings, the prospect of continued electoral competition within the white economy, may be the silver lining to find.

Source: Mint March 27, 2017 18:11 UTC