The targeting, intimidation, and frequent imprisonment of political parties and their leaders on corruption charges, often based on statements and facilitated by national agencies, alongside increasing reports of attacks on minorities and the stifling of the press under the Modi regime, have drawn criticism from other countries.
The spark was ignited when the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed apprehensions regarding India's electoral process during a global update to the 55th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
This criticism, particularly ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, revolves around concerns regarding the fairness and independence of India's electoral process. The controversy erupted following a series of critical remarks from foreign diplomats and agencies, challenging the integrity of India's democratic institutions.
Turk highlighted increasing restrictions on civic space, targeting human rights defenders, journalists, and minorities, especially Muslims. However, India's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ambassador Arindam Bagchi, summarily rejected Turk's concerns as "unwarranted" and boasted about India's democratic values and institutional robustness.
Despite Ambassador Bagchi's dismissal, the United States and Germany persisted in raising their objections. The US State Department spokesperson, Matthew Miller, maintained that they were closely monitoring actions in India, including the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and allegations against the Congress party. Similarly, Germany's foreign office spokesperson, Sebastian Fischer, emphasized the expectation of upholding democratic principles in India.
India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) objected to these comments, asserting that electoral matters were internal affairs. The MEA summoned senior diplomats from both the US and Germany to lodge protests against their countries' remarks. Furthermore, the UN itself weighed in, with spokesperson Stephane Dujarric expressing hope for the protection of political and civil rights during India's elections.
The international scrutiny intensified with noted psephologist and political commentator Yogendra Yadav's dire forecast regarding India's forthcoming parliamentary election. Yadav predicted that the 2024 election could be the least free and fair in independent India's history, citing recent developments such as the arrest of Arvind Kejriwal.
Joining the chorus of concern, an independent group of observers has been assembled to closely monitor India's electoral process. Their move was prompted by a series of pressing questions regarding the integrity of India's elections.
One major concern raised was the issue of universal suffrage. Reports surfaced alleging the exclusion of millions of Muslim, Dalit, Christian, internal migrant, and homeless voters from electoral rolls in 2019. Additionally, voters in Jammu and Kashmir have been disenfranchised since 2018, while Assam has faced challenges concerning "Doubtful Voters" and exclusions from the National Register of Citizens (NRC).
Another contentious issue surrounds the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs). Critics argue that the design and implementation of EVMs lack transparency and have not undergone independent review, raising concerns about hacking and tampering. Moreover, doubts persist regarding the independence of India's Election Commission in addressing these concerns.
The lack of real political choice and the perceived bias towards the ruling party have also come under scrutiny. Opposition parties have faced systematic targeting, with central investigating agencies initiating numerous criminal cases against their leaders. The ruling party's dominance in fundraising through opaque schemes has raised suspicions of quid-pro-quo and undue influence.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the control of information and media by the ruling party, with allegations of censorship, bias, and dissemination of disinformation. The increasingly polarized atmosphere, fuelled by communal rhetoric and online propaganda, further complicates the electoral landscape.
Critics have accused the Election Commission of India of failing to enforce existing laws and guidelines, exhibiting bias in scheduling elections, and lacking independence from the executive branch. Recent changes in the appointment process have exacerbated fears of partisan influence over electoral proceedings.
In response to these mounting concerns, an independent group of observers has pledged to closely monitor every aspect of India's ongoing electoral process, issuing regular bulletins and reports. This unprecedented international scrutiny reflects a deep-seated apprehension regarding the integrity and fairness of India's democratic elections, marking a troubling chapter in the country's electoral democracy.