Page 28 - NIS English 16-31 Jan, 2026

COVER STORY
National Voters’ Day Special
The scale on which elections
are conducted in India amazes
people around the world. The
efficiency with which our
Election Commission conducts
these elections naturally makes
every citizen proud of the
Election Commission. In our
country, every effort is made to
ensure that every Indian citizen
who is a registered voter gets the
opportunity to cast their vote.
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
India is one of the few countries in the world
where the Election Commission can issue notices
to people and transfer officials. Such official powers
are not available even to the election commissions
of many democratic countries. Therefore, India’s
Election Commission and its electoral process
serve as a benchmark for many countries. In recog-
nition of its commendable efforts in strengthening
democracy worldwide, the Chief Election Com-
missioner of India was elected as the Chairman
of the Association of World Election Bodies in
September 2020. Within seven decades of gaining
independence, India has emerged as a champion
of democratic ideals globally. This achievement
is a testament to the invaluable contributions of
everyone, from the Election Commission to ordi-
nary citizens in the smallest villages of the country.
Every constitutional institution in India has upheld
the dignity of the Election Commission. Regardless
of the political party, everyone has always abided
by the Election Commission’s orders. The Supreme
Court, our courts, and everyone else have consis-
tently supported the Election Commission. They
have ensured that there are no obstacles in the
implementation of the Election Commission’s
26 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || January 16-31, 2026
Judicial decisions
Brought Transformational
Reforms
While the Election Commission is the
constitutional guardian of free and fair
elections in the country, several historic and
transformative reforms that strengthen the
right to vote in areas where the Constitution
was silent have come about through the
judiciary. The court clarified that the right
to vote is not merely a legal right but also a
crucial aspect of the freedom of expression
under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution...
Disclosure of Candidates’
Background (Affidavit)
Before 2002, voters in the country did not have
access to information about the background of
the candidates. Then, in a case, the Supreme Court
ordered that every candidate contesting an election
must file an affidavit disclosing their criminal
background, the assets and liabilities of themselves,
their spouse, and their dependents, as well as their
educational qualifications. This enabled voters to
make informed choices based on the honesty and
competence of the candidates, rather than just caste
and party affiliation. It also made it possible to
monitor the unusual increase in the assets of leaders,
thereby increasing transparency.
In the first general election in
1952, 27,527 polling booths were
reserved for women voters.