- Trust me, the Election Commission of India (ECI) is an institution that has not only performed its Constitutionally laid out charter of duties to the best of its abilities but also garnered tremendous appreciation and recognition in doing so. Mandated with the responsibilities of ensuring free and fair elections in a vastly diverse and well-spread-out country like India, the EC has conducted several hundreds of elections in an appreciative manner. Of course, the credit for overhauling the commission’s stature must singularly be attributed to none other than the late TN Seshan whose defining tenure was most productive, decisive, and consequential. How the portly Chief Election Commissioner of yore set the cat amongst the pigeons vis-à-vis following rules books is legendary.
PC: The Statesman
- Since th ben the EC has only grown stronger under various chief commissioners who have ensured the institution’s credibility does not suffer one bit. As they say, we all have to change with the changing times, the EC too has adopted several timely measures commensurate with the growing challenges. We know India is a billion-plus population country and the democratic form of governance means free flow of speech and expression from every corner is a given fact. And then there are political parties – both at the national and regional level – riding piggyback on labyrinthine caste equations catering to every segment of society. Of course, the EC is kept busy in the form of one or the other election around the year. It’s a challenging task indeed.
- The praiseworthy discharge of responsibilities means the EC has the common man’s endorsement in undertaking one election after another. However, despite the EC’s unfailing efforts to boost the enrolment process for eligible voters to register to exercise their franchise, the voter turnout on D-Day is mostly disappointing. Voter apathy, especially in metropolitan cities, is not only worrying but also shows how cynical people are increasingly turning out while staying away from exercising their franchise. Mind you, EC has gone about its business of creating voter awareness through concerted drives aimed at attracting eligible voters by even reaching out to their doorsteps. Sadly, the voter percentage and enthusiasm remain abysmal on the day of the election.
PC: Aayushi Gupta
- The phenomenon is largely restricted to urban pockets and the reasons are not too hard to dissect. The migratory population is one of the most glaring reasons as scores of people move away from their homes in search of employment opportunities. Also, the general disenchantment with the elected representative for failing to deliver on expected lines has rendered the majority of us skeptical thereby leading to a lack of interest to vote. Nothing changes whosoever comes to power is a common refrain heard among us. A negative outlook one must say. The need of the hour is to change that perspective by not only enrolling on time but enthusiastically coming out in great numbers to vote as well. Let’s all make a concerted effort at exercising our franchise.
