How can you say that elections in India are free, fair and democratic?
Or
What is an Election Commission? Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner and how can he/she be removed?
Answer:
- Elections in India are basically free and fair. The party that wins an election and forms government does so because people have chosen it over its rivals.
- India has an independent Election Commission which regulates the election process. The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President of India but after appointment, he is not answerable to anyone. It is virtually impossible to remove him. During election period, he can order the government to follow some guidelines to prevent it from misusing its power to enhance its chances of winning.
- Once the polling is over, all EVMs are sealed and taken to a secure place. They are opened on a fixed day in the presence of agents of all the candidates for counting of the votes. Usually all the parties accept the electoral outcome.