Changing the guard, confronting the democratic crisis
This analysis discusses the perceived democratic crisis in India, focusing on the credibility of the Election Commission and the exclusion of millions of voters during the SIR process. It argues that institutional independence has been compromised and calls for a restoration of checks and balances.
Why it matters
The piece addresses fundamental concerns regarding the integrity of the electoral process and the health of democratic institutions in India.
Will the exit of Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar be enough to correct an electoral process that, over the years, has come to be seen as increasingly compromised in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at the Centre and in several States? With protests now growing across the country, he may eventually be forced out, just as Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan was forced to step down following sustained public pressure. But even then, he could simply be replaced by another, perhaps worse, “yes man”. Mr. Kumar’s exit may therefore be a starting point, but much more will need to be done to restore the credibility of the electoral process in the “mother of democracy”.
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