What is the biggest problem created by the fact that running for public office costs so much money
Answers
These days, standing for election requires lot of money. In order to raise such huge amounts, candidates with no personal wealth, will have to resort to several means – ethical or unethical.
Established parties will have no problem in raising this money, but independent candidates who genuinely want to bring about a change to our society and constitution, will find it difficult. Their other option would be to join established parties, but that would mean following party policies, pitfalls of being side-tracked etc.
Contesting for elections these days, requires tremendous amount of capital.
The candidates have to raise huge sums of money and for that many ethical as well as unethical means are used.
The candidates who are represented by a party, find it easier to raise money but the ones contesting as independents, find it very hard to get people to help them run a successful campaign.
Reaching out to everyone is impossible unless events are hosted and a lot of travelling is done to interact with the common people.
Events cost money, travel costs money and also the people working for a campaign also need to be paid and fed.
The major problem that stems out of this is that candidates have to compromise on their promises in order to get money from sponsors, which affects the main issues that the candidate intents to fight for in the society.