Electoral Transparency and Public Trust in India’s Democracy: Issues and Changing Political Sentiment
Electoral Transparency, Public Trust, and the Changing Political Mood in India In recent years, serious questions have been raised in public discussions regarding the voting process in elections to the Lok Sabha and various State Legislative Assemblies in India. Opposition parties and civil society groups have expressed concerns about issues ranging from the reliability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to the transparency of voter lists and vote-counting procedures. These concerns highlight the importance of maintaining public confidence in democratic institutions, especially in a country where elections play a central role in shaping governance. Questions Around the Role of the Election Commission The Election Commission of India is one of the most important constitutional institutions responsible for ensuring free and fair elections. In recent public meetings and press interactions, leaders of the Indian National Congress and other opposition parties have raised concerns about al...