Unveiling Electoral Integrity: Ensuring Free and Fair Elections

With the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, the term ""electoral integrity"" is frequently mentioned. However, many may not fully understand what it means, how it is maintained, or how it is violated. In this episode, we explore the crucial aspects of electoral integrity and highlight the major threats to it.

Episode Overview

In this episode, we discuss:

The meaning of electoral integrity

Major threats to electoral integrity

The significance of free and fair elections

Key standards for maintaining electoral integrity before, during, and after voting

Key Points

What is Electoral Integrity?

Electoral integrity refers to the uncompromising adherence to moral and ethical principles by all stakeholders in the electoral process. It ensures the moral sanctity of elections, which are the essence of democracy. The opposite of electoral integrity is electoral malpractice, which involves manipulating electoral processes for personal or partisan gain.

Free & Fair Elections

For elections to express the will of the electorate, they must be ""Free & Fair"":

Free Elections: Voters must vote without fear or restrictions, and their choices must remain secret.

Fair Elections: All political parties must have equal rights to contest, campaign, and have votes counted accurately.

Standards for Free & Fair Elections

Before Voting:

Voter Registration: No barriers for eligible voters.

Access to Reliable Information: Unbiased information is crucial.

Right to Run for Office: No intimidation or unfair blocks.

During Voting:

Access to Polling Places: Ensure all can vote.

Free from Intimidation: Safe polling environments.

Fraud-Free Voting: Prevent multiple or ineligible voting.

After Voting:

Accurate Ballot Counting: Reflect voters' will.

Respect for Results: Ensure peaceful power transitions.

Watch the full video on YouTube to explore these issues in depth and understand the ethical complexities of electoral integrity.