What challenges do Indian political parties face in ensuring free and fair elections in states like Bihar?
The Congress Working Committee is focusing on Bihar polls and concerns about 'vote chori' (vote theft). I want to explore the systemic and social issues that affect electoral integrity in such regions.
Ensuring free and fair elections in states like Bihar poses significant challenges for Indian political parties. These challenges stem from both systemic weaknesses and deep-rooted social issues. Addressing these concerns is crucial to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
- Booth Capturing and Voter Intimidation: Bihar has a history of booth capturing, where armed groups take control of polling stations to manipulate votes. Voters, especially from marginalized communities, often face threats and violence, discouraging them from casting their votes freely.
- Vote Buying and Distribution of Freebies: The practice of distributing cash, liquor, or other goods to sway voters is prevalent. This undermines the principle of free choice and distorts the electoral outcome.
- Criminalization of Politics: Many candidates with criminal backgrounds contest elections in Bihar. Their influence can lead to coercion, manipulation of the voting process, and erosion of public trust in the system.
- Caste and Communal Polarization: Political mobilization along caste and religious lines often leads to social tensions and targeted campaigning, which can compromise the fairness of elections.
- Weak Enforcement of Election Laws: Despite strict laws, enforcement remains weak due to lack of resources, local political interference, and inadequate training of election officials.
- Fake Voters and Electoral Roll Manipulation: Inclusion of fake or duplicate names in electoral rolls, and deletion of genuine voters, is a persistent issue that affects electoral integrity.
- Low Voter Awareness and Education: Many voters are unaware of their rights or the importance of secret ballots, making them vulnerable to manipulation and pressure from local power brokers.
- Influence of Money and Muscle Power: Use of money and muscle power by candidates and parties distorts the level playing field, making it difficult for honest candidates to compete.
- Inadequate Security Arrangements: During elections, insufficient security at polling stations can lead to violence, rigging, and disruption of the voting process.
Answered
2 weeks ago