Free and Fair Elections in India
Free and fair elections are fundamental to democracy, and the electoral roll is its cornerstone. In India, with over 960 million voters, maintaining accurate and inclusive electoral rolls is crucial. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is constitutionally mandated to ensure free and fair elections, emphasizing the integrity of the electoral roll. The Supreme Court has affirmed that free and fair elections are part of the Constitution's basic structure, with accurate voter lists being integral.
Transparency and Trust in the Election Commission of India
- The ECI has historically prioritized transparency by making draft rolls public, using technology for online searches, and involving political parties and civil society in verification.
- This openness garnered significant public trust, with surveys showing ECI trust levels among the highest for any public institution, often exceeding 75-80%.
- This trust was built through visible impartiality, procedural fairness, and innovations enhancing access and credibility.
Innovations in Electoral Roll Management
- In the 2007 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the ECI addressed "SAD" voters—Shifted, Absent, or Dead.
- Instead of deleting these names, the ECI created separate lists for each polling station, verified through door-to-door checks.
- Presiding officers used these lists to prevent impersonation, nearly eliminating bogus voting.
- This exercise was seen as a success in protecting the election's integrity.
National Voters' Day and Ongoing Initiatives
- Since 2011, National Voters' Day on January 25 has aimed to celebrate democracy and enhance voter enrollment, especially among the youth. Themes over the years stress voter inclusion and participation.
- Examples of themes include "Greater Participation for a Stronger Democracy" (2011-2012), "Inclusive and Qualitative Participation" (2016), and "Accessible Elections" (2018).
Special Intensive Revision in Bihar
- The current Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Bihar focuses on updating voter rolls by capturing new voters, correcting errors, and removing ineligible names.
- The ECI reported 65 lakh names removed, including 22 lakh deceased voters and other inaccuracies.
- However, the number of new voters added has not been disclosed, raising concerns about transparency.
Conclusion
For the ECI to maintain its respected status and ensure democratic trust, it must enhance transparency and prove that "every vote matters" by showing the addition of new voters alongside the removal of ineligible ones.