Explained: This article explains the political background, key decisions, and possible outcomes related to Explained : a level playing field in Indian elections and Its Impact and why it matters right now.
Long-established voter registration procedures were replaced with processes that placed the burden on voters to produce documentary proof of citizenship, despite the absence of a universal citizenship document in India. The identification of ineligible entries in voter rolls was managed without major disruption for over seven decades, underscoring that more balanced approaches are available.
Apart from voter registration, the delimitation of constituencies and location of polling stations are other pre-election activities where manipulations are possible. There is a procedure in place for consultation with political parties but parties with no cadres and meagre resources are unable to take advantage of these consultations. As a result, the possibility of gerrymandering in favour of the resource-rich parties is always present. Associate members on the delimitation commission fail to ensure effective participation due to lack of resources.
Transparency concerns also extend to electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) verification. While the VVPAT was introduced to enhance voter confidence, the current practice of verifying slips from only five polling stations per constituency defeats the very purpose. Demands have been raised for public scrutiny of EVM and VVPAT software. This demand, along with the counting of VVPAT slips, at least on demand, deserves serious consideration.
Equally important is the accessibility of voter lists in machine-readable formats well in advance of elections. Such transparency enables independent verification by political parties and civil society, reduces administrative errors and strengthens confidence in the integrity of the electoral process.
If India aspires to global leadership, the goal of free, fair and widely accepted elections must receive renewed and serious attention. Numerous reform proposals — emanating from the Election Commission, parliamentary committees, the Law Commission and civil society organisations such as the Association for Democratic Reforms — remain unimplemented.
It is high time these proposals are examined for a comprehensive electoral reform and a level playing field is created for all stakeholders with accountability for any violations.