Restoring Transparency in India’s Electoral Roll

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Context:

Concerns have resurfaced about the credibility and transparency of electoral rolls, with calls for the Election Commission (EC) to return to its uncompromising standards.

Electoral Rolls as the Lifeline of Democracy

Foundation of Free Elections: Accurate and credible rolls are essential to uphold the principle of “one person, one vote”, ensuring free and fair elections.
Role of the Election Commission: The EC, backed by Supreme Court judgments, bears the constitutional duty of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Transparency as a Guiding Principle: Public scrutiny, openness, and citizen participation in verification exercises are vital for electoral trust.

Innovations and Challenges in Roll Management

SAD Voters Identification: In the 2007 UP elections, the EC innovatively handled “SAD” (Shifted, Absent, Dead) voters by preparing a separate list, preventing disenfranchisement and large-scale disputes.
Surveys and Verification: Independent studies like those by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) revealed significant voter roll discrepancies, highlighting the need for rigorous door-to-door verification.
Transparency in Electoral Practices: Over the years, initiatives such as Ethical Voting (2014), Accessible Elections (2018), and No Voter Left Behind (2019) demonstrated the EC’s efforts toward inclusivity and fairness.

Restoring Trust through Greater Accountability

Importance of Public Scrutiny: Mechanisms like booth-level officer verification, stakeholder consultation, and structured review processes enhance voter confidence.
Need for Institutional Independence: Reduced transparency has raised doubts about the EC’s independence; reinforcing autonomy is key to regaining public trust.
Returning to Best Practices: Restoring uncompromising transparency, ensuring accurate rolls, and publicly verifying each voter’s inclusion is the only way forward.

Practice Question:

“Electoral rolls form the bedrock of free and fair elections in India. Critically evaluate the challenges in maintaining their accuracy and discuss the reforms necessary to restore transparency and public trust in the Election Commission.” (250 words)

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