The Role of the Election Commission in the Success of Democracy in India — With Key Examples


The Role of the Election Commission in the Success of Democracy in India — With Key Examples

Democracy in India is not just a political system; it is a living tradition that thrives through active participation every election cycle. Conducting this massive democratic exercise is the responsibility of the Election Commission of India (ECI), a constitutional body that has, for decades, ensured that elections remain free, fair, and transparent.

1. Foundation of Independence and Impartiality

Article 324 of the Indian Constitution grants the ECI broad powers to intervene at any stage of the election process if fairness is at risk.
Key safeguards include:

  • Security of tenure: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners cannot be removed arbitrarily.
  • Full administrative control: During elections, the ECI exercises direct authority over government staff assigned to election duty.

2. Major Achievements in Conducting Free and Fair Elections — Notable Examples

(a) 1977 General Elections

After the Emergency (1975–77), the 1977 elections tested Indian democracy. Despite political tensions, the ECI ensured fair polling, enabling the people to change the central government for the first time.

(b) 1989–90: Introduction of Voter ID Cards

The ECI launched the Voter Identity Card initiative, reducing bogus voting and enhancing the credibility of the process.

(c) 1990–1996: The Era of T.N. Seshan

The tenure of T.N. Seshan as Chief Election Commissioner is seen as a turning point in India’s electoral history. His bold reforms included:

  • Strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), irrespective of a leader’s political stature.
  • Curbing the use of money, liquor, and muscle power in elections.
  • Drastically reducing booth capturing and intimidation.
  • Holding election officials accountable for lapses.
    Under his leadership, the ECI’s image transformed into that of a fearless, corruption-resistant watchdog.

(d) 2004 General Elections and MCC Enforcement

CEC T.S. Krishnamurthy took firm action against high-profile leaders violating the MCC, reinforcing the principle that the law applies equally to all.

(e) 2019 General Elections

The largest election in the world — over 910 million voters, more than 1 million polling stations, and 4 million personnel. The use of EVMs and VVPATs strengthened transparency and voter confidence.

(f) State Elections with Firm Oversight

  • Bihar Assembly Elections 2015: Heavy deployment of police and central forces reduced violence and booth capturing incidents.
  • Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022: Pre-poll transfers of officials ensured an impartial administrative environment.

3. Measures to Ensure Fairness

  • Model Code of Conduct (MCC): Enforced from the moment elections are announced.
  • Election Observers: Monitor polling and counting sites for compliance.
  • VVPAT Machines: Allow voters to verify their vote through a printed slip.
  • cVIGIL App: Lets citizens report MCC violations instantly.
  • Special Security Arrangements: Deployment of central forces in sensitive areas.
  • Accessibility Measures: Facilities for persons with disabilities and senior citizens, including home-to-home voting in some cases.

4. Impact of the Commission’s Strong Work Ethic

Thanks to the ECI’s independence and vigilance:

  • Even those in power must follow the same election rules as everyone else.
  • Booth capturing, once common, has been significantly reduced.
  • Voter participation has risen steadily in both rural and urban areas.

5. Challenges and the Road Ahead

  • Fake news and misinformation on social media
  • Lack of transparency in election funding
  • Caste, religion, and regional polarization

Future reforms may require stronger digital monitoring, transparent political financing, and stricter penalties for violations.

Conclusion

The Election Commission of India is not merely an administrative body — it is the guardian of Indian democracy. Its impartiality and firm decisions have ensured that the voice of the people remains supreme. From the historic power shift in 1977, to the transformative tenure of T.N. Seshan in the 1990s, to the 2019 mega-election and the crackdown on booth capturing in state polls, the ECI has consistently proven itself as the true protector of democratic values.


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