The Bhutanese Leading the way.
As the world’s largest democracy, India’s electoral process stands as a testament to the vibrancy of democratic principles. With the celebration of the right to vote and the selection of representatives from diverse constituencies, the Indian election is not merely a civic duty but a festival of democracy itself.
Established as an independent Constitutional Authority on January 25, 1950, the Election Commission of India (ECI) oversees the huge task of conducting elections in this vast nation.
India’s constitutional framework embraces a Parliamentary form of government, comprising the President of India along with two houses – the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) and the Lok Sabha (House of the People).
The composition of these houses reflects the intricate tapestry of Indian democracy, with 243 members in the Rajya Sabha and 545 members in the Lok Sabha.
Yet, beyond the sheer scale of representation, India’s electoral system holds valuable lessons for democracies worldwide, including its neighbor, Bhutan.
Our country transitioned into democratic nation in 2008 which makes it one of the youngest democratic nations in the world.
One notable similarity between the Election Commission of Bhutan and ECI lies in the adoption of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for conducting elections. Both countries utilize these machines, along with provisions for Postal Ballots, facilitating voting for citizens residing outside their home states.
Moreover, the principle of universal adult suffrage underscores India’s commitment to inclusivity, allowing citizens over 18 years to participate in the electoral process. The young citizens can put up advance application for registration once they attain the age of 17.
India’s electoral landscape also reflects its progressive stance on gender inclusivity. Recognizing the third gender, the Election Commission accommodates transgender individuals in the electoral roll, alongside male and female categories.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced theme-based polling stations as a unique initiative to increase voter turnout, making it the only country to celebrate elections in such a way. These special polling stations include:
Pink Booths: Vibrant pink-colored polling stations designed to encourage more women voters to participate, staffed by women.
Rainbow Booths: Specifically created for the transgender community, these booths are adorned in rainbow colors to promote inclusivity.
Model Polling Stations: Constructed to cater to the needs of all citizens, including various ethnicities, the transgender community, and women, ensuring everyone feels welcome and represented.
Green Polling Stations: These eco-friendly booths focus on minimizing the carbon footprint by implementing waste management practices, avoiding single-use plastic, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources.
The use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. Integrated with EVMs since 2013 and mandated for all elections since 2017, VVPATs provide voters with a physical confirmation of their ballot, enhancing trust in the electoral process. When a vote is cast, a slip is printed, displaying the candidate’s serial number and symbol for verification.
India’s electoral journey exemplifies a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, ensuring the sanctity of democratic ideals while embracing technological advancements. As the nation prepares for its next electoral chapter, the world watches, inspired by the spectacle of India’s democracy in action.
In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that there must be a “None of the Above” (NOTA) option available on ballot papers and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The Court instructed the Election Commission to implement this either gradually or all at once, with support from the Government of India.
On the Balloting Unit, below the name of the final candidate, a button is now provided for the NOTA option. This allows voters who do not wish to vote for any candidate to express their choice by pressing the button next to NOTA. The NOTA provision is also available for Postal Ballots, ensuring that all voters have the option to abstain from voting for any candidate.
Furthermore, the commission’s embrace of technology, such as the computerization of electoral rolls and various IT applications, enhances efficiency and transparency in the electoral process.
Some of the applications are;
The cVIGIL App allows citizens to report violations of the Model Code of Conduct or Expenditure Violations by providing time-stamped photo or video evidence using their smartphones. It uses GIS technology to automatically provide accurate location information, helping flying squads quickly reach the incident spot and take action. Users can expect status reports within 100 minutes, emphasizing prompt action by authorities.
The Voter Turnout App displays estimated provisional voter turnout details for each Assembly Constituency/ Parliamentary Constituency as entered by the Returning Officer. Media outlets can also access this data for reporting purposes.
The Results Website and Results Trends TV ensure timely publication of round-wise information, offering a single source of authentic data. The ECI Results website provides counting data entered by Returning Officers, presented as ‘Trends and Results’ for public viewing. They have enhanced features include map views for better user experience.
As our country embarks on its democratic journey, it can draw inspiration from India’s vibrant electoral practices. By embracing inclusivity, innovation, and transparency, our country can cultivate a vibrant democracy that reflects the diverse voices and aspirations of its people.
This story is from a trip for Bhutanese reporters to observe the election process in India organized by JAB and hosted by the Indian Embassy.
