The Democratic Chronicle India’s General Elections: A Comparative Analysis Navigating the World’s Largest Democracy
Navigating the
World’s Largest Democracy
By Prashant
Shukla
India, the world’s largest democracy, is currently in the midst of its 2024 general election. This monumental event spans seven phases, beginning on April 19 and concluding on June 1. Citizens nationwide are heading to the polls to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of India’s Parliament. The sheer scale of this election is unprecedented, with approximately 970 million eligible voters participating.
Key Points About the Ongoing Election
Voting Phases: The election is being conducted in seven phases, allowing citizens from different regions to cast their ballots on different dates. Today, 19th April 2024, marks the first phase, during which 102 Parliamentary constituencies across 21 states and Union Territories are voted in this phase.
Electoral System: India follows a first-past-the-post (FPTP) voting system. In each constituency, the candidate with the highest number of votes wins the seat, regardless of the total vote share of their party. The magic number for a majority in the Lok Sabha is 272 seats.
Incumbent Prime Minister Narendra Modi is now seeking a third consecutive term. His party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), aims to secure a strong mandate in this election, potentially paving the way for significant changes in India's political and economic policies.
State Assembly Elections: Simultaneously with the general election, state legislative assembly elections are being held in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. Additionally, by-elections for 25 seats in 12 legislative assemblies are taking place.
Eligible Voters: To participate in the election, voters must be Indian citizens, at least 18 years old, ordinary residents of their polling area, and registered in the electoral rolls. Possessing a valid voter identification card issued by the Election Commission of India is essential. Some individuals convicted of electoral offences are barred from voting, and Indians holding foreign citizenship are also ineligible.
Historical Context: This election surpasses the 2019 Indian general election in terms of scale, making it the largest-ever election in history. The voting period spans 44 days, second only to the 1951–52 Indian general election.
As citizens exercise their democratic rights, unemployment, critical issues such as governance, economic policies, social welfare, and national security are at the forefront of voters’ minds. Let us closely observe the unfolding events and their impact on India’s future.
Size of the
Electoral Register:
Key Issues Before the Voters
Economic Growth and Welfare: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government touts India’s rising economic growth. It has also introduced generous welfare schemes, such as providing free grain to 800 million of India’s poorest citizens and a monthly stipend to women from low-income families. Critics argue that unemployment remains high, especially among young people.
Minority Rights and Discrimination: Minority groups and opposition parties are highlighting discrimination and attacks, alleging that they live as “second-class” citizens under Mr Modi’s rule. Opposition parties promise to address these concerns and prevent India’s “slide into autocracy.”
Electoral Autocracy and Transparency: The Election Commission of India (ECI) oversees the electoral process, ensuring free and fair elections. However, challenges persist due to the growing electorate, increased campaign spending, and the need for electoral reforms. Transparency and accountability are crucial to maintaining a healthy democracy.
Comparing India with Key Democracies
1. United States: The U.S. has a long-standing democratic tradition with regular presidential and congressional elections. The U.S. operates under a presidential system of government.
2. Ireland: Ireland’s electoral system differs significantly from India’s. Since its independence in 1922, members (TDs) of the Irish parliament, Dáil Eireann, have been elected by the system of PR-STV (proportional representation by the single transferable vote). In PR-STV, voters rank candidates in order of preference, and seats are allocated based on these preferences. It allows for greater representation of diverse political views.
Democracy Worldwide
Over the last two centuries, the world has witnessed a remarkable shift toward democracy. From closed autocracies to electoral democracies, the journey has been transformative. Today, the world is about evenly split between autocracies and democracies. Most non-democracies are electoral autocracies, while more than a third of all democracies have the additional individual and minority rights that characterise liberal democracies.
Clean and Transparent Political Funding
Ensuring clean and transparent political funding is essential for a healthy democracy. Here are some ways to achieve this:
1. Public Funding: Governments can allocate public funds to political parties based on their performance in previous elections, reducing reliance on private donations.
2. Caps on Donations: Limiting individual and corporate donations prevents undue influence. India has introduced such caps, but enforcement remains a challenge.
3. Disclosure Requirements: Parties should disclose their funding sources regularly. Citizens have a right to know who funds political campaigns.
4. Digital Platforms: Leveraging digital platforms for fundraising allows small donors to contribute easily. However, regulations are needed to prevent misuse.
5. Independent Audits: Regular audits of party finances ensure compliance with funding rules.
Major Political Parties and Ideologies
India’s political landscape is vibrant, with several major parties and diverse ideologies. Let’s explore them:
1. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Ideology: Right-wing, Hindutva (promoting Hindu cultural nationalism). Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP emphasises economic growth, national security, and cultural identity.
2. Indian National Congress (INC) Ideology: Centrist, Secular. The INC, led by Rahul Gandhi, focuses on social justice, welfare, and secularism.
3. Other Regional Parties: Regional parties such as the All India Trinamool Congress, Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party, Telangana Rashtra Samithi, Shiromani Akali Dal, YSR Congress Party, and Nationalist Congress Party have their specific promises and agendas.
In conclusion, India's 2024 general election stands as a monumental testament to the vibrancy and complexity of democracy in the world's largest democracy. With a staggering 970 million eligible voters participating in a multi-phase electoral process, the sheer scale of this event is unprecedented, surpassing even previous records.
Throughout this electoral journey, citizens face critical issues ranging from economic growth and welfare to minority rights, discrimination, and the importance of electoral transparency and accountability. As voters navigate these challenges, they are also presented with a diverse array of political ideologies and promises from major national parties like the BJP and INC and numerous regional parties representing the unique interests of various states and communities across India.
Comparisons with other democracies, such as the United States and Ireland, offer valuable insights into the diverse governance models and electoral systems that shape political landscapes globally. Moreover, the global trend towards democracy underscores humanity's transformative journey over the centuries, emphasising the universal importance of democratic principles and institutions.
Crucially, the need for clean and transparent political funding remains paramount, ensuring that democracy's integrity is upheld and that citizens' voices are not drowned out by undue influence or corruption.
As India's democratic saga unfolds, it serves as both a beacon of hope
and a reminder of the ongoing challenges inherent in the quest for a more just,
equitable, and participatory society. Through active engagement, vigilant
oversight, and a commitment to democratic values, we, the people of India, can
steer their nation towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
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