UPROAR OVER STOLEN VOTES AND REAL CHALLENGE TO DEMOCRACY: DEVANAND SIN GH

UPROAR OVER STOLEN VOTES AND REAL CHALLENGE TO DEMOCRACY: DEVANAND SIN GH

25-OCT-ENG 7

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-----------------------------Whether it is ballot papers or EVMs, the credibility of an election rests not on technology, but on impartiality and public trust. Past incidents—such as booth capturing and the alleged looting of ballot papers during Legislative Council elections in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar—serve as a reminder that the threat of electoral malpractice is not confined to any single voting system.

In the past, practices like seizing polling booths, intimidating voters, and forcibly stamping ballot papers posed a grave challenge to democracy. At that time, means of surveillance were limited; often, it was only through photographs taken by journalists or reports in newspapers that such incidents came to light. While technology has evolved, the need to ensure the integrity of the electoral process remains as critical as ever.

Amidst demands for a return to ballot papers and ongoing questions regarding EVMs, it is essential to recognize that no system can, by itself, guarantee absolute security. The credibility of an election is determined by a transparent system, effective oversight, and an impartial investigation into any grievances. Therefore, allegations of electoral malpractice should neither be accepted without investigation nor dismissed merely as political rhetoric. Any conclusion must be based on facts and evidence.

The issue of the electoral roll is equally significant. The omission of an eligible citizen’s name constitutes a violation of their democratic rights, just as it is necessary to remove the names of those who are ineligible. The Election Commission should ensure that the process for revising the electoral roll is simple, transparent, and accountable, so that no eligible voter is disenfranchised. Political parties, for their part, should raise genuine concerns backed by evidence, rather than framing every dispute solely in terms of political gain or loss.

The size of a crowd at a protest against alleged 'vote theft' cannot serve as a yardstick for the validity of the claims being made. Similarly, the gravity of an allegation should not be judged based on which party has raised it. In a democracy, both the respect for dissent and the impartial investigation of allegations are indispensable. The credibility of the Election Commission will be strengthened through transparent functioning and timely action. Political parties must fulfill their responsibility to maintain public trust in institutions, while citizens should refrain from drawing conclusions based on unverified information.

Democracy is not protected by slogans, but by safeguarding the vote and upholding the trust of the electorate. Whether it is a ballot paper or an EVM, the true test lies in ensuring that every eligible citizen can vote without fear, every grievance is heard, and the public’s mandate is respected. The sanctity of an election does not reside in the triumph of any particular technology, but in the existence of a fair and impartial system.