​A crisis of trust: On the Election Commission of India

1. Context & Background

• Election Commission of India (ECI): A constitutional body under Article 324 mandated to conduct free and fair elections in India.
• Issue: Recent political allegations—by Rahul Gandhi and others—questioning ECI’s impartiality and transparency.
• Importance: In a democracy, legitimacy of governance rests on public trust in the electoral process, especially from losing parties.

2. Key Concerns Raised

1. Trust Deficit
   • Comparable to sports/judiciary—loser must believe the process was fair.
   • Allegations of biased functioning can erode democratic legitimacy.
2. Allegations & Political History
   • Rahul Gandhi: Claims discrepancies in 2024 general elections; promises to reveal more evidence.
   • Past: Narendra Modi (as Gujarat CM) & other leaders also questioned ECI’s neutrality.
   • Current example: Tejashwi Yadav claims electoral roll errors.
3. ECI’s Role under Scrutiny
   • Preparation of electoral rolls
   • Scheduling elections
   • Enforcement of Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
   • Counting process
   • Redressal of complaints
4. Transparency Issues
   • VVPAT Concerns:
     • Part of EVM system alongside Ballot Unit & Control Unit.
     • Software centrally installed; connected to control unit.
     • Random tallying is “extremely arbitrary,” raising doubts about audit reliability.
   • ECI’s reluctance to fully disclose processes.

3. Editorial’s Stand

• Politicians: Should raise objections only on strong grounds to avoid undermining public trust unnecessarily.
• ECI: Must proactively address transparency concerns—cannot merely deny allegations without data.
• Core Message: Restoring citizen confidence is more important than appeasing political parties.

4. Constitutional & Legal Relevance (UPSC Linkage)

• Articles 324–329: Powers of ECI.
• Representation of the People Act, 1950 & 1951: Legal framework for elections.
• SC Judgements:
  • A.C. Jose vs. Sivan Pillai (1984): ECI can adapt procedures to ensure free & fair elections.
  • PUCL vs. Union of India (2003): Voters’ right to know candidates’ background.
• Reform Suggestions:
  • Independent appointments mechanism (e.g., as recommended by Justice Madan Lokur panel ideas, SC’s March 2023 verdict on CEC appointment via panel of PM, LoP, CJI).
  • Mandatory VVPAT counting for all booths.

5. UPSC Mains Answer Pointers

GS-II (Polity & Governance):

• Issue: Declining public trust in institutions → democratic backsliding.
• Impact: Erosion of legitimacy, voter apathy, increased political polarization.
• Way Forward:
  1. Full disclosure of VVPAT tallying methodology.
  2. Statutory protection of ECI’s autonomy in appointments & funding.
  3. Technological audits by independent experts.
  4. Public outreach to clarify procedures.

6. Possible Mains Question

Q. “The credibility of democracy rests on the perceived impartiality of the Election Commission of India. Critically examine in light of recent controversies.” (150 words)