Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended India’s “neutral and independent” Election Commission, asserting that its management of the world’s largest democratic exercise deserves recognition from the global community.
In a recent discussion, Modi underscored the vast scale and intricate nature of India’s electoral process, highlighting the significant political engagement of citizens.
“In India, we have a neutral and independent Election Commission that oversees elections and makes all decisions. This narrative is so compelling that leading universities worldwide should conduct case studies on its operation,” Modi stated.
He urged the global community to explore how India’s electoral system operates, given its size and the awareness of its populace.
Expressing the magnitude of the upcoming 2024 general election, Modi revealed that there are 980 million registered voters in India—surpassing the population of North America and exceeding that of the European Union combined.
“From those 980 million registered voters, 646 million emerged to cast their votes, even during the sweltering heat of May, where temperatures soared to 40 degrees Celsius in some regions,” he remarked.
Modi emphasized the logistical challenges of conducting elections in India, highlighting the establishment of over 1 million polling booths nationwide and the participation of more than 2,500 political parties.
He also noted the media’s vital role in enhancing democracy, with over 900 TV channels and 5,000 newspapers contributing to the electoral process.
“Our country’s underserved citizens have swiftly embraced technology, utilizing electronic voting machines, allowing us to declare results within a day,” Modi added.
He reaffirmed India’s dedication to bolstering democracy through ongoing initiatives aimed at increasing voter participation and enhancing electoral transparency.
