The marathon may be complete, but the journey to the podium is still underway. Exhaustion looms over everyone, from the runners to the onlookers.
Exhaustion manifests in three distinct ways: a triumphant acknowledgment of our participation in a monumental democratic endeavour, encompassing 970 million voters with commendable turnout, with women prominently leading the charge; a collective sigh of relief as we bid farewell to an era marred by unprecedented toxicity from individuals expected to inspire; and an anxious anticipation gripping those aspiring to occupy the seats of power in the upcoming Parliament.
The nation ponders: can we foster a more inclusive democracy, where public interests are discussed with optimism and without the relentless pursuit of dismantling opponents? Will our elected representatives view the ballot as a gift bestowed upon them by the people, with no strings attached, or as a reflection of the populace’s will, laden with significant expectations?
Once the chaos subsides, what will the past 12 weeks since the Election Commission of India’s announcement of the Lok Sabha elections on March 16 leave imprinted in our memories? Will we echo Mark Antony’s sentiment, acknowledging that the wrongs endure while the good fades into obscurity? Or do we dare to envision a future where the incoming administration confronts the nation’s pressing challenges head-on?
History will mark this election as a period of intense fervor and blatant animosity, unparalleled in its intensity. As temperatures soared and tempers flared, echoes of Jawaharlal Nehru’s cautionary words resonated: “Elections, while essential to democracy, often unveil the darker facets of humanity. Must democracy be reserved solely for those with thick skins, booming voices, and flexible morals?”
Even the Election Commission of India, entrusted with safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process, found this question too formidable to confront. Citizens, too, grappled with its weight: Was enduring such intense heat (and hatred) a necessary sacrifice to exercise our fundamental right to vote?
The Election Commission of India ought to reflect on whether it could have streamlined the duration of this crucial process. From the delayed initial announcement to the marathon-like seven phases, reminiscent of Shakespeare’s ‘The Seven Ages of Man,’ to the lengthy intervals between some phases, and the overwhelming reliance on Central police forces, the entire ordeal left its mark.
It’s no wonder that star campaigners strained their voices, party spokespersons delivered predictable speeches, pollsters danced around forecasts to avoid ECI scrutiny, YouTubers struggled for fresh content, and the nation found itself engrossed in a suspenseful drama that might ultimately disappoint, as the anticipated ‘culprit’ failed to materialise.
The electoral journey was fraught with twists and turns. Despite the pre-election verdict deeming the over Rs 16,000 crore channeled into political parties’ accounts via electoral bonds as ‘unconstitutional,’ it didn’t deter its utilisation in wooing voters to secure the mandate for governance. The means used to attain the end were a subject of debate. Then, the EVM/VVPAT verdict dashed hopes of those seeking reassurance against machine manipulation, underscoring the complexities of electoral integrity.
The court declined to intervene in the public demand for basic voter turnout data contained in Form 17C, respecting the Election Commission’s jurisdiction. In a somewhat anticlimactic twist, the previously hesitant ECI finally released the data it had been accused of concealing, dispelling accusations of malicious intent.
Many perceived this election as devoid of substantive issues, with political parties eschewing any singular focus in favour of grasping at familiar themes of religion and reservation. Manifestos seemed a mere formality overshadowed by a spiraling verbal conflict.
Though the swords may have been blunt, their impact was infectious, intensifying the cacophony and pushing the boundaries of the Model Code of Conduct. The Election Commission found itself under immense pressure, forced to assert its authority. Pre-election controversies over the appointment of election commissioners only fueled the debate over the poll body’s impartiality, culminating in a hurried appointment process that failed to dispel doubts.
It’s unrealistic to rely solely on the Supreme Court to address every measure aimed at restoring public confidence in the Election Commission of India. The commission must take proactive steps to engage in open and meaningful dialogue with stakeholders, actively seeking solutions to alleviate doubts rather than exacerbating concerns. The perceived disconnect between the election body and civil society organisations is regrettable, particularly if the ECI aims to spearhead electoral reform efforts effectively.
A key electoral reform imperative for the incoming government is establishing a transparent framework for political party funding and imposing spending limits during elections. The Election Commission of India must revamp the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which faced significant strain during the recent elections. The commission’s neutrality hinges on its ability to rigorously enforce the MCC.
Furthermore, a comprehensive overhaul of the MCC is essential, incorporating clear consequences for violations and transparent operating procedures, including public disclosure of all complaints and their status on the ECI website. Additionally, formalizing political parties’ accountability for the actions of their star campaigners and candidates is crucial without diminishing individual responsibility. Just as companies can be held accountable under the Companies Act and parties implicated under the PMLA, political parties should bear responsibility for the statements made by their campaigners.
Although the successful execution of elections adds to the nation’s achievements, the methods and rhetoric used to secure votes leave much to be desired. Every conscientious Indian must acknowledge that the manner in which campaigns are conducted is nothing to boast about. Political leaders must understand the irreversible impact of their words, as once spoken, they linger like arrows. As Francis Bacon cautioned, it’s not the passing falsehoods that inflict harm, but the lies that take root in the mind and fester that cause true damage.
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
