Democracy on Anvil

The documentation burden on the marginalized is significant, with over three crore people not listed in the 2003 rolls, facing more stringent verification requirements

- FR. JOHN FELIX RAJ & PRABHAT KUMAR DATTA

FR. JOHN FELIX RAJ IS THE VICE CHANCELLOR AND PRABHAT KUMAR DATTA IS ADJUNCT PROFESSOR. BOTH AT ST. XAVIER'S UNIVERSITY, KOLKATA

Elections serve as a fundamental mechanism for political representation, empowering citizens, legitimising authority, and facilitating dialogue between the electorate and their representatives. By enabling voters to select leaders and hold them accountable for their performance, elections make significant contributions to democratic governance.

While democracy encompasses more than just elections, the latter is a crucial component that underpins the former. As Dankwart Rustow aptly noted, 'the people cannot decide until somebody decides who the people are.'

The Right to Vote: An Indispensable Pillar of Democracy

In any democratic nation, the right to vote is not merely a privilege, but an essential condition that upholds the very fabric of democracy. In India, the right to vote, enshrined under Articles 326-329 of the Constitution, is not only a constitutional right but also an integral part of the fundamental rights framework. Although it is not explicitly listed in the chapter on fundamental rights, its significance is implicit in the broader constitutional scheme. Moreover, the Constitution makes it a civic duty for all eligible citizens to exercise this right.

The Election Commission of India: Upholding Electoral Integrity

The Election Commission of India (ECI), an autonomous constitutional body, is entrusted with the crucial responsibility of conducting elections. As per Article 324(1) of the Constitution, the ECI has the authority to oversee, direct, and control the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections to Parliament and state legislatures.