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The initiative by the newly appointed commissioners of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to invite political party representatives and leaders for an interaction to “strengthen electoral processes” is a welcome move. The move was precipitated by the rising complaints and grievances raised by the Opposition relating to voter registration and turnout, and other matters concerning the conduct of elections. The ECI has also asked parties to submit suggestions on issues concerned besides instructing provincial officials to interact with party representatives on a regular basis. In the recent past, the ECI had taken an unusually aggressive posture in responding to the Opposition’s complaints, which included being dismissive of genuine grievances such as undue delays in publishing voter turnout figures and even going on to admonish its critics. Such gestures only deepened distrust among political parties. While the Opposition has sown so much doubt on issues such as the functioning of the Electronic Voting Machine, resulting in an atmosphere of scepticism seeping into the minds of a majority of voters, the ECI could also have done more to reassure voters about the robustness of the electoral process related to electronic voting. Other legitimate issues, which include regulation of campaigns, action against hate speech, and the timing of elections at various levels also need a thoroughgoing review, and the ECI must be receptive to the critique of its functioning on these issues. There is also the question of the constitution of the ECI and the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner, but that is a matter now in the hands of the Supreme Court.
One of Indian democracy’s most salient features since Independence has been the ECI’s evolution and its autonomous role in the conduct of periodic elections, leading to increased voter participation and more faith in electoral democracy. This conduct, as the processes evolved, has emphasised transparency, accountability, and the clear and robust release of relevant and verifiable information related to elections. While the Electors Photo Identification Card issue related to duplicate numbers for voters across States is largely trivial — as the ECI has averred — the more serious issues related to voters being registered in different polling locations require to be rectified. The ECI must also ensure a level playing field during campaigns so that there is no undue advantage for the ruling party — a grievance widely expressed by Opposition forces across States. Regular interactions with political party representatives and a clear release of verifiable information will go a long way in allaying fears about the tried and tested electoral process in the country.
Published – March 13, 2025 12:20 am IST
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Welcome gesture: on the ECI and interaction with political parties
