ELECTION: Is All about Festival of Democracy

Elections are indeed regarded as the festival of democracy. They signify a celebration of the democratic principles upon which nations are built.

Elections allow citizens to express their preferences and choose their representatives who will govern and make decisions on their behalf. This act of voting is fundamental to democracy, symbolizing the power vested in the people.

A question comes, if elections are the epitome of politics, how can it then be a normal event? At the end of the day one elector goes and casts his vote at a polling booth to decide the fate of candidates in the fray, adding up to the winning political party, formation of governments etc, which follows. Whatever might be the democratic checks and balances, it is a free for all. It ranges from announcement of the elections, model code of conduct, electioneering, casting of votes, counting and the process till the formation of government.

Elections encourage widespread participation from all sections of society, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, or socioeconomic status. It's a time when every voice matters, emphasizing the inclusivity of the democratic process.

India's sheer size and diverse population present unique challenges in organizing elections. With over 969 million eligible voters, 2600 parties spread across vast geographical areas, conducting elections in a single day becomes logistically challenging. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has to coordinate with multiple stakeholders, including state governments, security forces, and thousands of polling stations, to ensure smooth and fair elections.

Despite differing political ideologies and opinions, elections foster a sense of unity and solidarity among citizens as they come together to exercise their democratic rights. Regardless of individual preferences, the shared experience of participating in the electoral process strengthens the social fabric of society.

The most ironic part of our elections is the fact that political parties have no responsibilities. It is the state which has to enforce everything and the political parties keep finding ways and means to make it an exercise that works in their favour. In a way potential law makers are pitched against the state. If all rules, model code of conduct and all concerned laws of land were to be put in operation both in word and spirit, probably the elections could never be held.

Overall, elections represent more than just a political event; they embody the essence of democracy itself, reaffirming the principles of freedom, equality, and representation. Thus, referring to elections as the "festival of democracy" encapsulates the spirit of collective empowerment and civic engagement that they inspire.