Elections in India

India’s parliamentary elections is the largest democratic exercise in the world. A whopping 80 million people exercised their franchise during the 16^th general elections. This was for the first time that the election took place in 9 phases. Barring minor skirmishes, India’s elections have remained mostly peaceful over the last few occasions due to the strenuous efforts of  the Election Commission. Computerization of electoral rolls and strict enforcement of Model Code Of Conduct has ensured fair elections to a greater extent. Due to the persistent efforts of the commission, voting percentage has scaled newer heights. While filing nomination papers, it is now must for the candidates to declare their monetary assets including movables and immovables, educational qualifications and criminal cases pending against him/her. The move is intended to enable the voters to make an informed choice. 

Significant Features

For the first time in the electoral history, the Election Commission introduced the concept of model polling booths which provided minimum basic facilities like drinking water, toilets etc for the voters. It has been hailed as a major success as it has pushed up participation in these constituencies.

Role of social media and technology for reaching out to the masses is a new development. Media bias is another prominent feature of electioneering. In a major development ,the Commission had done away with publishing of Opinion Polls during 48 hours before the poll. SC recently ruled that images of political leaders in the advertisements of schemes in media develop “personality cult” at the cost of public money.It is sought to be curbed.

Another intriguing aspect of elections in India is the increasing instances of fractured mandate due to surge in the number of regional parties. As the polls come closer, regional parties tend to create pressure on the Central Govt by pressing for unreasonable demands. The recent demand by the TN govt to free the convicts of Rajeev Gandhi assassination case may endanger national security.

The elections in India are unique in the sense that in many constituencies women outnumber men in terms of participation in voting. Women are playing a decisive role in the electioneering as well by door to door campaigning. They have a greater appeal to the masses while raising women related issues. This might be one of the reasons for the success of stalwarts like Mamata Banerjee,Jayalalitha,Vasundhra Raje.

Challenges and Road Ahead

Flagrant violation of the Model Code of Conduct during electioneering cannot be wished away. Contestants often make provocative speeches and try to get the votes of an entire community by pitting them against  the people of the other community. This trend is quite common in those constituencies where illiteracy rate is high. Uneducated voters often fall prey to the sentiments aroused by the campaigner and subsequently vote on the grounds of caste, religion etc. MCC prohibits the use of official machinery for campaigning purposes. As the election draws near, political persons often trade charges against each other some of which are often quite personal in content. The Model Code of Conduct bars participants from making personal attacks in speeches but still it continues unabated.

The number of sitting MPs and MLAs who have criminal antecedents is still very high in the Parliament and the Legislatures. This is a testimony to the fact that money and muscle power still decide political fortunes in India. The apex court's July 10, 2013 judgment had robbed elected representatives of the benefit under Section 8(4) of Representation of People Act which allowed them to save their membership in respective Houses by merely filing an appeal within three months of the order of conviction. After ordering disqualification of MPs and MLAs immediately after conviction for heinous offences, the Supreme Court took a second big step towards cleansing the political process by directing that trial proceedings in cases of corruption and serious crimes against elected representatives must be completed within a year.

Unfortunately criminal antecedent fields are conspicuously left blank while filing nomination papers despite a number of guidelines by the apex court in the matter. The voters can request for a copy of the nomination papers filed by the participants from the constituency but seldom is that request made.Though Booth capturing has become a thing of the past, serving liquor to the poor often yields positive returns and influence outcomes, says various reports. In the absence of proper norms in place, the Election Commission is struggling to curb the menace of Paid news. Ensuring peaceful elections in the red corridor is a major challenge in front of the Election Commission.

Bringing political parties under the purview of RTI would make the funding of political parties open to public scrutiny and thereby ensure transparency in the elections. Election Commission should be given more teeth for curbing hate speeches which have a potential to fan communal violence during elections.