Inclusive Elections - Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional
body responsible for conducting and overseeing elections of the
Largest Democracy of the world. Its impartial role is instrumental
in upholding the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. The
Commission’s meticulous planning and execution of elections ensure
that the elections are free and fair, reinforcing public trust and
confidence.
Article 324, which created the Election Commission, holds
exceptional significance. The Constitution was adopted by the
Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949 and put into effect on
January 26, 1950. The Election Commission’s office was established
on January 25, 1950, a day before the Constitution became effective.
It placed its trust in the wisdom of Indian citizens to choose their
representatives in positions of authority.
India’s democracy thrives on its diversity – cultural, social,
geographical, linguistic, etc. This diversity is seamlessly integrated into
the political and social fabric of the nation, fostering a unique blend of
unity in diversity. One of the fundamental tenets of Indian democracy
is universal suffrage. The Indian Constitution grants all adult citizens
the right to vote, regardless of their caste, religion, gender, or socioeconomic status. This inclusive approach ensures that every individual
has a say in shaping the nation’s destiny, reinforcing the notion of
seamless integration within the diverse Indian population.
Today, the Election Commission stands as a cornerstone of
democracy in the world’s largest democratic nation. Having conducted
17 General Elections and over 400 Assembly elections, the
ECI presently manages a diverse electorate of over 96 Crore voters,
comprising roughly 49.68 Crore male and 47.07 Crore female voters,
reflecting a balanced gender distribution. The count also includes
about 48,000 individuals who identify as the third gender, highlighting
the inclusivity of the enrolment process. Additionally, there are about
81.22 lakh voters with disabilities (PwD). The age range among voters is
diverse, with approximately 1.84 Crore aged 80 and above and 2.55 lakh
surpassing the age of 100. The 18-19 age group boasts approximately
1.85 Crore of new voters, enriching India’s democratic tapestry.
With a commitment to inclusivity, the Commission encourages the
participation of young voters through initiatives like National Voters
Day (NVD) and extensive awareness campaigns.
As the 18th General Elections - 2024 are around the corner, ECI
has launched an array of initiatives to make the election “inclusive,
accessible and participative” in its truest spirit. Targeted campaign
such as ‘Desh ka Form’ during Special Summary Revision-2024,
National Voter’s Awareness Contest, Cycle Rallies and Democracy
rooms for new and first-time voters, Turnout Implementation Plan
for targeting each polling booth, Matdata Junction radio programme
series, all aimed at fostering participation from every section of the
society. This commitment is evident in spearheading efforts for 100%
participation of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, along with
targeted interventions for women, first-time voters, tribal groups,
and Persons with Disabilities. Creating permanent Assured Minimum
Facilities (AMF) is given due prominence to enhance the voter
experience, making voting more accessible and convenient for citizens.
Additionally, the special initiative of Home Voting, which allows eligible
voters with physical disabilities, illnesses, or advanced age to cast their
votes from their homes, serves to emphasise the importance of every
vote.
Various divisions of the Commission work in tandem to facilitate,
educate and engage with voters.
Technological advancements, such
as the transition to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the
introduction of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), have
enhanced transparency in elections. To combat misinformation and
empower voters to make informed decision, ECI has implemented
a ‘fact-check’ register, chatbots for officials, and digitalized content.
The commitment to technological advancements is evident in the
development and regular updates of apps for all stakeholders like
c-Vigil, Know Your Candidate App, Saksham App, Voter Helpline App,
Suvidha App, etc.
The establishment of the “India International Institute of
Democracy and Election Management” (IIIDEM) showcases the ECI’s
dedication and commitment to sharing expertise and experience with
Election Management Bodies (EMBs) in other countries, providing
electoral assistance and training based on bilateral requests and
multilateral arrangements to around 140 Nations.
Acknowledging the ECI’s pivotal role, the Department of Posts
is delighted to issue a commemorative postage stamp on ‘Inclusive
Elections in India’ and recognises ECI's contributions to ensuring
equitable elections, encouraging voter participation, and preserving
the democratic system.
Credits:
Stamp/FDC/Brochure/ : Ms. Gulistaan source by india post
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