This year, it is estimated that 969 million voters will cast their vote to elect the Central government of India.
Authors
Abhinav Mehrotra, Assistant Professor, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Biswanath Gupta, Associate Professor, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Summary
As the newly appointed Election Commissioners take charge, the election process of India and its significance as the largest democracy in the world needs to be highlighted from a human rights perspective. This year, it is estimated that there 969 million voters will cast their vote to elect the Central government of India. This is an extraordinary celebration of democracy in the entire world.
The international community will be observing such a celebration of democracy which has recognised the principles of democracy under Article 21 of the UDHR which states that “The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.”
This idea of democracy is further supplemented by the views expressed by former United Nations secretary-general Boutros-Boutros Ghali argued that “human rights, equal rights and government under the law are important attributes of democracy.
Coming back to India, there are 543 Lok Sabha seats across India and a few thousand candidates contest this election who belong to different political parties which are organised groups possessing common views on governance and mobilise the electorate, set agendas and indulge in political propagation. The process got started and the Model Code of Conduct has been implemented which is a set of minimum standard and codes for political parties their candidates and supporters to adhere to, to ensure free and fair elections.
Published in: Firstpost
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