THE CONTEXT: The significance of the 2024 general elections in India is paramount, as they are part of a global wave of elections affecting over half the world’s population. It explores the historical evolution of universal suffrage, contrasting India’s immediate adoption of universal adult franchise with the gradual and exclusionary process in the United States. The piece highlights the role of the Election Commission in safeguarding the integrity of India’s electoral process and notes the global economic implications of the numerous elections scheduled for 2024.
ISSUES:
- Historical Context and Evolution: India’s approach to universal suffrage was revolutionary at its independence. Unlike many Western democracies, India granted voting rights to all adults irrespective of gender, education, or social status from its first general election in 1951-1952. Key figures in the Constituent Assembly, such as Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, advocated this inclusive approach, arguing against any property or literacy qualifications that would exclude significant portions of the population.
- Challenges and Innovations in Election Management: The logistical challenges of conducting elections in a country as large and diverse as India are immense. The Election Commission of India, established to ensure free and fair elections, has innovated continuously to reach every eligible voter. For the 2024 elections, measures include setting up polling stations in remote locations such as a wildlife sanctuary in Kerala and a shipping container in Gujarat, and even for a single voter in Arunachal Pradesh. This level of commitment ensures that every citizen can participate in the electoral process, a cornerstone of democratic governance.
- Technological Integration and Security: Electronic voting machines (EVMs), a point of contention with some political parties, represent a significant technological integration to improve the efficiency and security of the voting process. Despite challenges, including legal petitions against their use, EVMs have been employed to handle the vast electorate of over 968 million people.
- Political Landscape and Electoral Stakes: The political landscape of 2024 is marked by the contest between the incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a coalition of opposition parties. Modi’s leadership, characterized by a blend of economic policies and nationalist rhetoric, faces scrutiny from voters across a spectrum of critical issues, including financial performance, sectarian tensions, and governance.
- Global Context: The 2024 elections in India form part of a larger global narrative of democratic exercises occurring worldwide, affecting over half of the world’s population. These elections are not only significant for the countries involved but also for global economic and political stability.
- Reflection on Democratic Values: As India continues with its largest electoral exercise, it is essential to reflect on the core democratic values that guide such undertakings. The vision of India’s founding fathers for a democratic nation that upholds the right to vote for every citizen has largely been realized, though challenges remain. The ongoing elections are not just a test of administrative capability but also the commitment to democratic ideals in the face of modern challenges.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Enhanced Transparency in Voting Technology: Introducing more rigorous standards for electronic voting machines, including regular audits and implementing voter-verified paper audit trails, could help improve trust in the electoral process.
- Civic Education: Expanding civic education programs to foster a better understanding of the electoral process and the importance of participation could help reduce polarization and increase voter turnout, particularly among the youth and marginalized communities.
- Strengthening Electoral Infrastructure: Investing in better infrastructure for polling stations and training for election officials can ensure smoother execution of elections, especially in remote and inaccessible areas.
- Robust Security Measures: Implementing stringent security measures to protect voters and election officials, particularly in conflict-prone areas, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
- Global Perspective: The significance of India’s elections extends beyond its borders. As the world’s largest democracy, the conduct and outcomes of its elections have global implications. The international community closely watches these elections as they can influence global economic policies, international relations, and democratic norms.
THE CONCLUSION:
India’s electoral system, committed to universal adult suffrage, serves as a model for inclusive governance. However, addressing the contemporary challenges it faces is crucial for sustaining its democratic integrity. By implementing targeted reforms and leveraging technology, India can continue to refine its electoral process and set a global standard for democratic elections.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 India and the USA are two large democracies. Examine the basic tenants on which the two political systems are based. 2018
Q.2 Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. 2022
Q.3 In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? 2018
Q.4 To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? 2017
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Assess the evolution of electoral democracy in India from its inception to the present day. Discuss the challenges and milestones that have shaped the largest democracy in the world.
SOURCE:
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/story-of-one-citizen-one-9280304/
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