Learning Democracy from India
It is interesting to learn from India which is sincerely practicing democracy for the past 75 years and more. The linguistic States in India with rich cultural and behavioural differences are making many changes of Governments through peaceful process of voting by adult franchise.
When many of Afro- Asian countries are struggling by bloody process for change of rulers, India stands tall in all respects by this democratic process. The elections for State Assembly in Assam, West Bengal, Puduchery, Tamil Nadu and Kerala are having uniqueness in every State specific.
There are complaints and fear of money power, muscle power, terrorism, fraud, misuse of official machinery etc etc., All these issues are addressed by Representative Peoples Act passed by Parliament and the amendments made by the Parliament whenever the problems are brought to Parliament. Constitution of India has created independent Election Commission of India. The Constitution and law made by Parliament has empowered the Election Commission of India and allows it to formulate rules, regulations and guidelines after due consultation of Executive and stake holders such as Political parties and voters at large.
These accepted rules,regulations,and guidelines are put up in website and printed booklets were distributed to stakeholders. Through frequent interaction with vernacular media these are brought to the knowledge of the people at large.
It is surprising to hear the criticism when it is enforced on the principle of ‘rule of law’. Even then the Election Commission is implementing the ‘rule of law’ through committed officials. We should support the rule of law to save democracy.
