Electoral Malpractice

The recent report by the Election Commission of India (ECI) about the staggering increase in seized assets during the elections in five states is a cause for both alarm and introspection. The ECI’s revelation that over ?1760 crores were confiscated from Mizoram, Telangana, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh signifies a mammoth 636% increase compared to the previous elections. This stark rise, from a relatively modest ?239.15 crores in 2018, paints a troubling picture of the current state of electoral integrity in India. Telangana leads with the highest cash seizure of over ?659.2 crores, followed closely by Rajasthan. This phenomenon is not isolated to these states alone. A similar pattern was observed in the last six state assembly elections in Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Karnataka, where seizures were 11 times more than their previous counterparts. The ECI’s implementation of the Election Expenditure Monitoring System (EEMS) is commendable. This innovative approach, integrating technology with enforcement, has enhanced coordination and intelligence sharing among various agencies. However, the effectiveness of these measures is overshadowed by the sheer scale of illegal assets being mobilized. The implications are manifold. Firstly, the massive increase in seizures reflects a worrying escalation in the misuse of money power in Indian elections. The diverse nature of the seized items, including cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and freebies, points to a deep-rooted problem that goes beyond mere electoral malpractice. It suggests a systematic subversion of the democratic process, where electoral outcomes are influenced not by the will of the people but by the power of money. Secondly, while the ECI’s efforts in ramping up surveillance and monitoring are laudable, the fact that such large amounts of illegal assets could be amassed and deployed undetected raises questions about the efficacy of our regulatory frameworks. It suggests the need for a more robust and proactive approach to electoral governance. Lastly, this situation calls for a collective introspection on the part of all stakeholders in the Indian democracy. Political parties, civil society, the media, and the electorate must jointly confront this menace. Strengthening legal provisions, enhancing transparency in political funding, and fostering a culture of ethical electoral practices are essential steps in this direction. The ECI’s report is a wake-up call to the deep-seated challenges facing India’s electoral democracy. While technological interventions like the EEMS are steps in the right direction, the battle against electoral malpractices requires a more comprehensive and collaborative approach. It’s time for concerted action to safeguard the sanctity of our elections and, by extension, our democracy.