This editorial is being penned on the day voting for General Election 2024 has commenced in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, which will be represented by 42 and 39 representatives in the next 543-member-strong Lok Sabha that will convene in June after a new government is sworn in by President Murmu. Spread over seven weeks in which 969 million citizens are eligible to cast their votes, this election is the world’s largest exercise in universal adult franchise. And it’s noteworthy that since India attained independence in 1947 following a unique non-violent freedom struggle led by Mahatma Gandhi, the country has experienced 17 free and transparent general elections.

Although in the run-up to the current election, several charges have been made about unfair conduct and tampering with the electoral system — the Election Commission has been packed; electronic voting machines are rigged; the process has been jeopardised through weaponisation of the Enforcement Directorate, CBI and income tax authorities — there’s sufficient evidence and general acceptance that the election process is clean and electoral outcomes thus far have been fair, substantially transparent and reflective of the will of the people.

This was most dramatically proved by General Election 1977. Earlier in mid-1975, prime minister Indira Gandhi had imposed free India’s first and thus far sole internal Emergency countrywide under Article 352 of the Constitution. However in early 1977, Mrs. Gandhi unexpectedly called a general election to sanctify the Emergency and her dictatorial rule. Despite having absolute control of government, the establishment and law and order machinery, her Congress party was roundly defeated at the hustings with Mrs. Gandhi also suffering defeat in her own constituency in Uttar Pradesh. That she gracefully accepted the verdict of the electorate is testament to the unusual respect that politicians across all party lines accord to the electoral process and democracy.

Exemplary regard for the norms of democracy and the electoral process — demonstrated again when the BJP unexpectedly lost General Election 2004 and the Congress party lost in 2014, should be a matter of pride for all Indians. Such taking and leaving of office is highly unusual, especially in developing countries of the third world where heads of government often have to be forcibly removed from power. One of the great achievements of free India is that the conduct of largely free and fair elections and graceful acceptance of electoral verdicts has struck deep roots.

Yet full practice and reverence for the democratic system requires all eligible citizens to exercise their franchise in conducive and adverse conditions. Experience of elections past indicates that one-third of the eligible don’t vote. One hopes this time around when turning-point issues are on the agendas of contending political parties, all eligible citizens — especially first time young voters who have most to win or lose — will exercise their franchise. Election outcomes should reflect the will of the people, not only of those who vote.

Also read: Why BJP Swept Assembly Elections