In a striking critique of India's Election Commission, Independent Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal recently labeled it a "dysfunctional body" and a "failed institution," sparking discussions about the integrity of the electoral process in the country. During an interview, Sibal voiced his concerns, emphasizing that a significant portion of the population has lost trust in the Election Commission's ability to perform its constitutional duties.
Sibal's comments came against a backdrop of mounting allegations from the Congress party and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regarding irregularities in voter lists, including instances of duplicate voter IDs and unexplained deletions. "The Election Commission has not discharged its functions in accordance with its responsibilities which are expected of it under the constitution," Sibal stated, highlighting the imperative to address these issues swiftly in order to strengthen democracy.
He further asserted that the failure to resolve these concerns could undermine public faith in the electoral system, stating, "The quicker we deal with this issue, the greater is the chance of saving democracy." Sibal's remarks resonate with many citizens who feel that the electoral process might be tainted by possible manipulations at multiple levels.
In response to the mounting criticisms, the Election Commission announced initiatives aimed at reassuring the public and addressing their concerns. On March 22, 2025, the Commission revealed that over 4,000 of its electoral registration officers would convene all-party meetings to tackle outstanding polling booth-level issues across various assembly seats. This plan aligns with their recent decision to engage with various political parties to rectify complaints regarding the electoral process.
Additionally, the election body is examining the prospect of linking voter cards with Aadhaar numbers and involving birth and death registration authorities to clean up voter rolls. By taking these measures, the Election Commission aims to enhance the transparency and accuracy of the electoral process, which has experienced considerable scrutiny due to allegations of corruption and errors.
Sibal emphasized, "The message to the opposition is that apart from the EVMs, there are some really serious issues which suggest that the process of elections is polluted." He pointed out that the complications arising from inaccurate voter lists could affect the results, urging collective action among political parties to rectify these shortcomings.
These developments illustrate the urgency with which election integrity must be addressed in India. Sibal's assertions underscore a wider sentiment shared by several political parties questioning the effectiveness of the Election Commission in safeguarding the democratic process. The ongoing all-party meetings signal a step towards collaboration among various political factions to ensure that laws governing the electoral process are upheld and improved.
Public confidence is dwindling as many citizens and political leaders alike are concerned that election results could be distorted if these issues go unaddressed. Sibal's critique of the Election Commission highlights a critical moment for Indian democracy, emphasizing that timely reforms are needed to maintain a fair electoral framework.
As the Election Commission moves forward with its efforts to resolve complaints, it remains to be seen whether these actions will sufficiently rebuild the trust that has been eroded. The need for systemic changes has never been more apparent, as both Sibal and other critics of the current electoral system stress the importance of credibility in sustaining democracy in India.
