A claim made recently in an article in Firstpost “Tale of two elections: Pakistan’s flawed political journey versus India’s credible electoral process” by Vivek Katju that Indian elections are inherently superior to Pakistani elections and free from rigging is a gross oversimplification that overlooks the myriad challenges and malpractices present within India’s electoral process. This narrative, often echoed in mainstream discourse, does not align with the realities on the ground. Let us explore how historical instances, EVM manipulations, electoral malpractices, media bias, misinformation, and the influence of money and power compromise the integrity of Indian elections.
India’s electoral history is rife with allegations and instances of rigging. The Emergency period (1975-1977) declared by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is a prime example. During this period, the abuse of state machinery to manipulate electoral outcomes was rampant. Indira Gandhi herself was found guilty of electoral malpractices by the Allahabad High Court, a ruling that played a significant role in the political turbulence of that era. This historical context underscores that Indian elections have not always been the paragon of fairness they are often portrayed to be.
Manipulation of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
EVMs, introduced to reduce fraud and streamline the voting process, have instead become focal points for controversy. Allegations of EVM tampering have marred several elections, including the 2014 and 2019 general elections, which saw Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ascension to power. Multiple political parties, including the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), have raised concerns about EVM manipulation favoring the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In 2017, a self-proclaimed hacker in London claimed that EVMs used in Indian elections could be hacked, asserting that results could be manipulated remotely. Despite the Election Commission of India (ECI) dismissing these claims as baseless, the lack of transparency and independent verification has left a cloud of suspicion over the electoral process. Calls for a return to paper ballots or the implementation of voter-verified paper audit trails (VVPATs) to ensure greater accountability have grown louder, reflecting widespread concern over the integrity of EVMs.
Electoral Malpractices and Intimidation
Electoral malpractices in India are not limited to EVM manipulation. Vote-buying is a pervasive issue, with candidates and parties frequently distributing cash, liquor, and gifts to influence voters. This practice undermines the democratic process and disproportionately affects marginalized communities who are more susceptible to such inducements. Reports of voter intimidation and violence further exacerbate the problem. Incidents of threats, coercion, and physical violence are common, especially in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. These tactics aim to suppress opposition votes, ensuring a favorable outcome for certain candidates or parties, thereby casting a shadow over the legitimacy of election results.
Media Bias and Misinformation
The role of the media in Indian elections is another critical factor undermining their fairness. Mainstream media, often accused of bias, plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Outlets such as Republic TV and Times Now have faced accusations of skewed coverage favoring the BJP, influenced by political affiliations or financial interests. This biased reporting can manipulate voter perception and influence electoral outcomes.
Furthermore, the proliferation of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms has emerged as a significant challenge. Political parties and their supporters frequently spread false information to discredit opponents and mislead voters. The lack of stringent regulations and the rapid spread of such content make it difficult to ensure a fair and informed electoral process. Instances like the widespread dissemination of fake news during the 2019 elections highlight the severity of this issue.
Influence of Money and Power
The influence of money in Indian elections is a critical factor undermining their credibility. Candidates and parties often flout expenditure limits, with exorbitant amounts spent to secure votes. The sources of these funds are frequently opaque, raising concerns about the influence of illicit money in the electoral process. The connection between politics and business interests skews the democratic process, making elections a contest of financial muscle rather than a genuine democratic exercise. Prominent business figures such as Tata, Ambani, and Adani wield significant influence in this regard. Their financial clout and close ties with the ruling party enable them to sway voters through media campaigns, charitable contributions, and direct funding of political activities. This nexus between major business conglomerates and political entities further distorts the electoral landscape, ensuring that wealth and power, rather than democratic principles, often dictate election outcomes.
The concentration of power in the hands of a few political families and business elites further distorts the electoral landscape. This nexus between politics and business interests means that elections can become vehicles for financial and political gain rather than platforms for genuine democratic expression.
Comparative Perspective: Indian and Pakistani Elections
In light of these issues, the claim that Indian elections are inherently superior to Pakistani elections and free from rigging is unfounded. Pakistani elections, while facing their own set of challenges, also strive for fairness and transparency. For instance, the 2018 general elections in Pakistan saw significant efforts by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to address electoral malpractices, including measures to ensure the integrity of polling stations and the introduction of Result Transmission System (RTS) for real-time results dissemination. Although these efforts were not without flaws, they represent a commitment to improving the electoral process.
In contrast, the persistent issues in Indian elections, from EVM manipulation to vote-buying and media bias, reveal that no electoral system is immune to challenges.
The assertion in the article that Indian elections are free from rigging and inherently superior to Pakistani elections is not only misleading but also dismissive of the significant issues that plague India’s electoral system. Historical instances of rigging, manipulation of EVMs, electoral malpractices, media bias, misinformation, and the undue influence of money and power all contribute to the complexities and challenges faced by Indian democracy. To uphold the true spirit of democracy, India must address these issues through robust reforms, greater transparency, and stringent mechanisms to combat electoral malpractices. Only then can it genuinely claim to hold free and fair elections.
