Insights to the Voting Process in India
By Michael Dias
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Michael Dias is a dedicated mechanical engineer with a passion for innovation and problem-solving. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys playing the guitar, showcasing his love for music through both performance and appreciation. He also loves playing football and watching sport as well.
Were the Voting Results Fair in India’s 2024 General Elections?
“Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience.” – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Were the Voting Results Fair in India’s 2024 General Elections?
First and foremost, the 2024 Indian general elections have been a great democratic exercise that has raised a lot of concerns about whether the voting process was fair and transparent. Like previous years, this time round had massive campaigns, political horse-trading and unprecedented voter involvement and not to forget unforgettable market ups and downs juncture. There is only one question at this juncture as the dust settles down; were the voting results just?
The Scale of the Elections
India’s elections are a logistical marvel, with over 900 million eligible voters and more than 8 lakh polling stations spread across the vast and diverse landscape of the country. The 2024 elections encompassed 7 phases and required the deployment of millions of election personnel. The Election Commission of India (ECI), the autonomous body that is solely responsible for overseeing the elections, once again faced the daunting task of ensuring that every vote was cast and counted fairly.
The Electoral Process and Innovations
The introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) has been aimed at increasing transparency and reducing the chances of electoral fraud. For the 2024 elections, these technologies were further refined and extensively used.
EVMs and VVPATs: The EVMs have been a subject of debate since their inception, but they offer a faster, more efficient way of counting votes compared to traditional paper ballots. The VVPAT system, which provides a paper trail for each vote cast, was intended to serve as a backup to ensure that votes are accurately recorded and counted. This year, the ECI mandated the use of VVPATs in all polling stations, a move aimed at bolstering public confidence in the electoral process.
Remote Voting Options: Another innovation in the 2024 elections was the pilot implementation of remote voting options for select groups, including migrant workers and the armed forces. This was an attempt to address the disenfranchisement of voters who are unable to return to their home constituencies on election day. The success and fairness of these remote voting systems are crucial to their future adoption on a larger scale.
Allegations of Malpractice
Despite these advancements, allegations of malpractice have surfaced, as they often do in such a large and complex electoral exercise. These allegations range from claims of EVM tampering to voter intimidation and bogus voting and sometimes leading to single people casting multiple votes.
EVM Tampering: One of the most persistent allegations is that of EVM tampering. Various political parties and activists have claimed that the machines can be manipulated to favour a particular candidate or party. The ECI has repeatedly assured the public that the machines are secure and has invited experts to evaluate their integrity. In the 2024 elections, a few isolated incidents were reported where EVMs malfunctioned, but the ECI promptly addressed these issues, ensuring that they did not affect the overall fairness of the elections.
Voter Intimidation and Bogus Voting: Another significant concern is voter intimidation and bogus voting, particularly in rural areas and regions with a history of political violence. Reports of voters being threatened or coerced to vote for a certain candidate have emerged, alongside instances of fake voter IDs being used. The ECI, along with local law enforcement, took measures to prevent such practices, including deploying security forces in sensitive areas and using biometric verification to confirm voter identities.
Public Perception and Trust in the Electoral Process
The ultimate test of the fairness of an election lies in the perception of the voters. Public trust in the electoral process is paramount for the legitimacy of the results and the functioning of democracy.
Surveys and Polls: Post-election surveys and polls indicated a mixed but generally positive sentiment towards the fairness of the 2024 elections. A significant majority of respondents expressed confidence in the ECI’s ability to conduct free and fair elections, although a notable minority remained sceptical, citing the various allegations of malpractice.
Civic Engagement: The high voter turnout, especially among young and first-time voters, is a testament to the public’s engagement with the democratic process. Despite the challenges and allegations, the enthusiasm of voters to participate in the elections suggests a strong belief in the power of their vote.
Legal Challenges and Their Outcomes
Following the announcement of the results, several legal challenges were filed by candidates and political parties alleging electoral malpractice. These cases are critical in determining the overall fairness of the elections.
Nature of Challenges: The challenges ranged from claims of vote tampering and manipulation to procedural errors and violations of the Model Code of Conduct. The judiciary’s role in addressing these challenges is crucial for upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Judicial Response: The judiciary has so far managed these cases with a commitment to due process and transparency. Early rulings have dismissed some claims as unfounded, while others are still under investigation. The outcomes of these legal challenges will play a significant role in shaping the narrative around the fairness of the 2024 elections.
Exit Polls
Now, coming to a remarkably interesting aspect of “Polls of the day and predictions of the pay,”
Exit polls are like the weather forecast or more like fantasy polls – sometimes they get it right, sometimes they don’t. But their impact on public perception is undeniable.
The accuracy of exit polls has been a major point of contention, particularly following the 2024 elections, where several polls predicted outcomes that diverged significantly from the actual results. These discrepancies have led to accusations of exit polls being either poorly conducted or deliberately biased. Critics highlight issues such as flawed methodologies, unrepresentative sampling, and biased questioning as key contributors to these inaccuracies. In some instances, media forecasts suggested an overwhelming victory for the opposition, with slogans like ‘Abki baar 400 par,’ implying that the opposition had secured a dominant lead. This fuelled suspicions that which party influenced media predictions provided the most financial incentives to specific media outlets.
The most serious allegation against exit polls in the 2024 elections was that they defamed the people by misrepresenting their votes and intentions. When exit polls predicted results that did not align with the eventual outcomes, many voters felt misrepresented, and their democratic choice undermined. This perception of defamation is particularly pronounced in closely contested regions where exit polls suggested a clear winner that did not emerge victorious in the final count.
Now this can also lead to voter disillusionment for voters who perceive that exit polls inaccurately reflect their votes, there can be a sense of disillusionment and betrayal. This feeling is particularly strong among those who feel that their voices are marginalized or misrepresented. Disillusionment can lead to voter apathy, reducing turnout in future elections and weakening democratic participation and also cause community tensions, In regions where elections are closely contested, conflicting exit poll results can exacerbate existing tensions. Communities may become polarized, with supporters of different political parties viewing each other with suspicion and hostility. This polarization can hinder social cohesion and create a divisive atmosphere that lingers well beyond the election period.
When exit poll predictions diverge significantly from actual results, they can erode trust in the electoral process. Voters who see their expectations dashed by final counts that differ from widely broadcast exit polls may begin to question the integrity of the election. This erosion of trust can have long-term effects on voter engagement and confidence in democratic institutions.
Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned and Future Reforms
The 2024 general elections in India, while considered fair and transparent, have highlighted several areas for improvement. The ECI and other stakeholders can draw valuable lessons from this electoral exercise to enhance the integrity of future elections.
Strengthening Technological Safeguards: The use of EVMs and VVPATs should continue to be refined, with enhanced security measures to address concerns of tampering. Independent audits and transparency in the functioning of these machines can help build public trust.
Combating Voter Intimidation: More robust measures are needed to prevent voter intimidation and bogus voting. This includes better training for election officials, increased security presence in sensitive areas, and stricter penalties for violations.
Enhancing Voter Education: A well-informed electorate is crucial for the success of any democracy. The ECI should invest in comprehensive voter education programs to ensure that voters are aware of their rights and the voting process.
Leveraging Technology for Accessibility: Innovations such as remote voting should be expanded to ensure that all eligible voters, regardless of their location or physical ability, can participate in the electoral process. Pilot programs should be carefully evaluated and scaled up based on their success.
Regulating Media and Social Media: The influence of media and social media on elections cannot be understated. Regulatory frameworks should be strengthened to curb the spread of misinformation and ensure balanced coverage of all political parties and candidates.
Conclusion
The 2024 Indian general elections were a monumental exercise in democracy, marked by both successes and challenges. While the ECI and other stakeholders have tried to make significant strides in ensuring a fair and transparent process, allegations of malpractice and areas for improvement highlight the need for continuous vigilance and reform.
The fairness of an election is not just about the absence of fraud, but about creating an environment where every voter can participate freely and confidently. Also, fairness in voting reflects a person’s commitment to their nation by choosing the right democracy. The lessons learned from the 2024 elections should guide India towards even more robust and inclusive electoral practices, reinforcing the strength and resilience of its democracy. As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar envisioned, democracy in India must be a mode of associated living, where every citizen’s voice is heard and respected.
REFRENCES:
- https://www.eci.gov.in/eci-publication
- https://prsindia.org/legislatures/discussion-papers
- https://main.sci.gov.in/AMB/
- https://www.sci.gov.in/reports/
– Michael Dias
