The Election Commission must promptly postpone the revision of electoral rolls until after the conclusion of this election, providing an opportunity for feedback, public awareness initiatives, and consultations with all stakeholders. The trust of the populace and the credibility of the institution are at risk
Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI), a cornerstone of our democracy under Article 324 of the Constitution, is mandated with the conduct of free and fair elections. Historically, its role in Bihar during the 1990s is celebrated as a high point in asserting institutional autonomy to cleanse a deeply flawed electoral process. However, recent measures by the ECI, framed as “electoral revision,” are being criticised for potentially reversing these hard-won gains.
- The 1990s in Bihar were marked by an electoral environment vitiated by rampant booth capturing, caste-based violence, and the overwhelming influence of muscle and money power. The democratic will of the people was frequently subverted, and faith in the electoral process was at an all-time low.
- It was in this challenging landscape that the Election Commission, particularly under the firm leadership of T.N. Seshan, scripted a remarkable turnaround. The ECI’s interventions were not mere administrative tweaks; they were fundamental reforms that deepened democracy at the grassroots:
- Strict Enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC): The ECI transformed the MCC from a theoretical guideline into a potent tool. It cracked down on misuse of government machinery, inflammatory speeches, and ostentatious campaigning, levelling the playing field.
- Introduction of Voter ID Cards (EPIC): The phased introduction of the Electoral Photo Identity Card was a revolutionary step to combat bogus voting and impersonation, which were widespread in the state.
- Enhanced Security Measures: The strategic deployment of central paramilitary forces and the introduction of multi-phased elections neutralised local strongmen and reduced the scope for violence and intimidation, allowing voters, especially from marginalised sections, to cast their ballots without fear.
- Independent Observers: Appointing observers from outside the state ensured impartial monitoring and reporting, breaking the nexus between local administration and powerful political actors.
- Consolidation of Polling Booths: In the name of “rationalisation,” many polling booths in remote and sparsely populated hamlets, often dominated by Dalit and Mahadalit communities, are being merged with larger booths in central villages. This increases the distance and time required for the most vulnerable to vote, creating a significant barrier to participation. This is a direct reversal of the earlier policy of taking polling booths closer to the people.
- Mandatory Digital Pre-Verification: The pilot project linking voting to a mandatory digital pre-verification app a day before polling has created a digital divide. This disproportionately affects the elderly, the poor, and those in areas with poor internet connectivity, effectively disenfranchising a segment of the population that lacks smartphones or digital literacy.
- Perceived Erosion of Impartiality: These administrative changes are perceived by opposition parties and civil society as being politically motivated. They argue that the booths being consolidated are in areas where the ruling dispensation has historically received less support. This perception, whether accurate or not, damages the ECI’s most valuable asset: its credibility as a neutral arbiter.
- Constitutional: It weakens the spirit of universal adult suffrage, a basic feature of the Constitution.
- Social: It risks marginalising the already vulnerable, reversing decades of social empowerment achieved through electoral participation.
- Political: It erodes trust in the ECI, a vital institution, and could lead to increased political instability and cynicism.
- Extensive Stakeholder Consultation: No electoral reform should be implemented without transparent discussions with all political parties, civil society groups, and affected communities.
- Prioritising Inclusion over Efficiency: The primary metric of the ECI’s success must remain the freeness, fairness, and inclusivity of elections, not cost-cutting or technological implementation for its own sake.
- Strengthening Institutional Autonomy: There is a need to revisit reforms concerning the appointment of Election Commissioners, such as through a collegium system, to further insulate the ECI from any perception of executive influence.
