Article: India’s electoral system is an example for the world, it is not right to degrade it.

Author: Rajeev Gauba
India has always been a little behind in showcasing its strengths to the world, but now the time has come for us to flaunt our achievements. Especially in the field of election management, where we can teach something to many developed countries of the world. In this article, we will look at the strength and transparency of India’s electoral system and how it can become an example for the world. There is also mention of William Dalrymple’s book ‘The Golden Road’, in which it is told how in ancient times India gave knowledge to the world, but China went ahead of us in telling its story. Now we have to avoid repeating this mistake.

What are the things in the book ‘The Golden Road’

William Dalrymple writes in his/her book ‘The Golden Road’ that from 250 BC to 1200 AD, India’s art, technology, astronomy, music, literature and mathematics made a splash in the whole world. It was a Golden Road that extended from the Red Sea to the Pacific Ocean. India’s ideas changed the world, but this central role of the Indian subcontinent was overshadowed by the China-centric concept of the Silk Road. In contrast, China has been very good at telling its story. We should not repeat this mistake now. We should bring our achievements before the world.

India’s digital infrastructure strengthened

In recent years, India has tried to showcase its digital infrastructure to the world. Digital platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, COWIN, GEM can prove useful for the world. We can get diplomatic and economic benefits from this. This is a good start. Similarly, we should also expose our election system to the world. We can also teach some western countries about election management. It is not just a matter of the large scale of the election. We set up polling stations even in remote areas, from the heights of the Himalayas to the Sundarban delta.

fair elections without any irregularities

We conduct elections on such a large scale, that too without any irregularities, but the most important thing is the honesty and robustness of this process. The system has been further strengthened under the leadership of all the previous Chief Election Commissioners (CECs) and Election Commissioners. The credit for this also goes to all those governments who have refrained from interfering in this system. We should also thank the framers of the Constitution who established the Election Commission and made rules to ensure its independence. These rules are laid down in Article 324, which states that CECs can be removed only through impeachment and their conditions of service cannot be changed during their tenure.

A look at America’s election system

Now let’s look at America’s election system. Every state has its own election machinery, which works under the government of that state. From determination of constituencies to voter registration, establishment of polling stations and counting of votes, the entire process is under the control of the state governments. ‘Gerrymandering’ is a term that describes how the party in power in each state changes the boundaries of congressional districts to its advantage. The entire world witnessed the chaos caused by different rules and politically controlled processes in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections.

How different is India?

Delimitation of parliamentary and assembly constituencies in India is done by a law made by the Parliament, as per Articles 82 and 170 of the Constitution. Parliament enacts the Delimitation Act, under which the Delimitation Commission headed by retired judges of the Supreme Court carries out this work.

Preparing voter list and setting up polling stations also happens in a similar manner. Recognized political parties are informed about the revision of electoral rolls. Electoral registration officers have to provide information about claims, objections, draft and final list to the registered parties. Political parties are informed about any change in the location of the polling station.

All these processes take place under the supervision of ECI. Central or state governments have no role in this. District Magistrates, who are appointed District Election Officers (DEOs), work directly under the ECI for these functions. During polling and counting, the ECI practically takes control of the district administration, DEOs, Returning Officers and their subordinates. It also transfers and transfers election related officials including police officers.

It is not right to degrade the electoral system

The ECI appoints observers for each constituency who report directly to the ECI. Every step is under the supervision of representatives of political parties and candidates. This has always been the case – whether ballot boxes were used or now EVMs. The EVMs and VVPATs used at different polling stations are randomized once in the presence of representatives of political parties and at other times in the presence of candidates. They are then sent in the presence of the candidates and their representatives are invited to sign the seals of the EVM and VVPAT.

Polling agents of the candidates are present at every polling station. They are allowed to inspect the ballot box and sign the seals of the EVM and VVPAT before and after voting.

Polling agents can sign Form 17C, which gives details of the number of votes polled. They can accompany the vehicles carrying EVMs to the strong room. These rooms are sealed and opened in the presence of the candidates. Counting takes place in the presence of the candidates and they can have their agents at each counting table. They can verify the tally of each EVM and match it with Form 17C. Each step is video recorded.

It is difficult to find such a comprehensive and reliable system in the world. We should bring our election management system in front of the developing and some developed countries whose election processes are not of the desired standard. This is an opportunity that should be taken advantage of. At the very least, we shouldn’t let our system down!