The electoral system of India, the world’s largest democracy, continues to face intense political challenges in 2025. Despite the Election Commission’s historic record of conducting 18 Lok Sabha general elections and numerous state assembly elections, recent years have seen heightened criticism and allegations of “vote theft” by defeated political parties. This controversy contrasts sharply with the Election Commission’s constitutional mandate and its legacy of impartiality and efficiency.
Formation and Constitutional Mandate
The Election Commission of India was established on 25 January 1950 under Articles 324 to 329 of the Constitution. It is an autonomous constitutional body tasked with conducting free and fair elections. Initially a single-member body, it became a three-member commission in 1989. The Commission operates under the People’s Representation Act and the Constitution, ensuring independence and accountability.
Inaugural Elections of 1952
India’s first general elections in 1951-52 were a monumental task. The country had over 17 crore voters in a population of 36 crore. Elections were held in 68 phases for 489 Lok Sabha and state assembly seats. Challenges included printing millions of ballot papers, setting up over 2,50,000 polling booths, training polling staff, and educating largely illiterate voters. Despite geographical and infrastructural hurdles, voter turnout was 45 per cent, a remarkable achievement given the circumstances.
Growth and Reforms Over Decades
Subsequent elections saw rising voter participation – 46 per cent in 1957, 56 per cent in 1962, and 61 per cent in 1967. The Commission introduced reforms such as voter ID cards, electoral rolls revision, and voter awareness programmes. The voting age was reduced to 18 during the tenure of Chief Election Commissioner RVS Peri Sastri. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) replaced paper ballots, enhancing transparency.
Chief Election Commissioners and Their Impact
The Election Commission’s credibility has often hinged on its leaders. Early Commissioners like Sukumar Sen and KVK Sundaram earned national honours for their service. TN Seshan’s tenure is noted for strict enforcement of electoral laws. However, some Commissioners faced criticism for political affiliations after retirement, which raised questions about the Commission’s impartiality.
Contemporary Political Context
Since 2014, political contestation around the Election Commission has intensified. The Congress party, once dominant, has accused the Commission of bias after losing power. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured three consecutive terms by 2024, reflecting changing political dynamics. Allegations of electoral malpractice have increased, though the Commission continues to maintain its constitutional role amid political pressures.
Scale and Complexity of Modern Elections
India’s electorate has grown to approximately 100 crore voters by 2025. Polling stations increased from 2,50,000 in 1952 to 11 lakh. Over 55 lakh EVM-VVPAT machines are deployed nationwide. The Election Commission now exercises greater administrative control during elections, including oversight of local officials and security arrangements, ensuring election integrity on an unprecedented scale.
Challenges to Democratic Values
While India’s electoral system has evolved with technology and reforms, political accusations threaten democratic stability. The ongoing disputes show the need for respect for the electoral process and acceptance of electoral outcomes. Democracy thrives on peaceful transitions of power and the dignity of the people’s mandate.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the constitutional provisions that ensure the independence of the Election Commission of India and analyse their effectiveness in safeguarding free and fair elections.
- Critically analyse the impact of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) on electoral transparency and voter confidence in India.
- Estimate the challenges faced in conducting elections in a diverse and populous country like India and discuss how these challenges have been addressed over time.
- Underline the role of political parties in strengthening or weakening democratic institutions in India, with suitable examples from recent electoral history.
