New Delhi: International delegates have expressed happiness at witnessing the 2024 polling process in India. Some of the delegates praised ECI’s efforts, such as the Green Polling Stations, as encouraging, while others expressed gratitude for the polling process’s transparency.
The widespread use of technology in the polls, particularly the randomization of EVM-VVPATs, was also well-received by the delegates. A few of the delegates added that they were especially moved by the Indian people’s steadfast belief in and dedication to advancing democratic values. All of the visiting members of the Election Management Bodies from these nations agreed that the Indian election process was orderly, inclusive, and accessible and that it happened in a joyous atmosphere.
These reactions came in after the largest-ever contingent of international delegates experienced and witnessed India’s general election first-hand in the recently concluded third phase of the elections. as part of the International Election Visitors’ Programme (IEVP).
In the third phase, polling took place in 93 constituencies spread across 11 States and UTs. The delegates observed the polling in 6 States and UTs, along with the preliminary work that goes into creating what is arguably the world’s largest logistical exercise including the transportation of people and machines.
State-wise Experiences from the ground
Karnataka
Delegates from Cambodia, Tunisia, Moldova, Seychelles, and Nepal visited the Belgaum Parliamentary constituency in Karnataka and interacted with polling officers and presiding officers inside the polling station, witnessed mock poll, visited the command control centre, media monitoring facilities. The delegates appreciated the transparency as underscored by the mock poll, presence and involvement of candidates’ representatives inside the polling station.
Goa
Delegates from Bhutan, Mongolia and a media team from Israel witnessed polling and related arrangements in both the constituencies in Goa. They were also exposed to mock polls, command control centres, media monitoring facilities and dispatch centres. CEC Bhutan and Electoral officials of Bhutan & Mongolia appreciated transparency in involving political parties, media, and candidates’ representatives inside the polling station in the conduct of elections. Admiration and surprise were expressed to see PwD managed Polling stations, and Pink Polling stations by the visiting delegates. Delegates appreciated the use of software for the randomization of EVM-VVPATs.
Madhya Pradesh
An eleven-person foreign delegation, including representatives from the Philippines and Sri Lanka, visited polling places in the constituencies of Bhopal, Vidisha, Sehore, and Raisen to obtain personal knowledge of the Lok Sabha election process.
As they interacted with voters, they saw how eager and involved Indian residents were in the democratic process. The delegates reflected on their experiences and expressed gratitude for India’s dynamic democracy. They were especially moved by Indian voters’ unwavering trust in and dedication to advancing democratic values.
Uttar Pradesh
Elections for the Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh were observed on May 7, 2024, by delegates from Chile, Georgia, the Maldives, Namibia, Papua New Guinea, and Uzbekistan. Dignitaries on a visit were shown the architectural wonders of the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri, which are located in these two constituencies.
On election day and the day before election day, they were made aware of the different schedules and events. The visiting members of the Election Management Bodies from these nations all agreed that India’s election process was open, inclusive, and peaceful.
Gujarat
Delegates from Fiji, Australia, Russia, Madagascar, and Kyrgyz Republic witnessed prepoll arrangements and polling process for the General Elections to the Lok Sabha, 2024 in Ahmedabad. The delegation was impressed with the strong room(s) having a double lock system and deployment of armed police personnel ensuring effective security for EVMs.
Female-managed polling stations in the Assembly Constituency of Sanand in Ahmedabad East PC also drew appreciation and invited comments that they boost confidence in women and increase their participation. The facility of ramps and wheelchairs in all places along with volunteers to help elderly voters was also highly appreciated. The concept of the Braille ballot paper for blind voters was also liked as a good initiative to help blind people.
Maharashtra
During their visit to the Maharashtra parliamentary seat of Raigad, representatives from the Election Management Bodies of Zimbabwe, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka saw the pre-poll preparations, polling party distribution, and other logistical activities. The committee discussed the many aspects of the Indian Elections with the District Election Officer, Returning Officer, Presiding Officers, and other election-related personnel. The polling station’s transparency measures impressed the delegates.
Participants in the third phase of polling on May 5, 2024, saw representatives from 23 countries—Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Chile, Fiji, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Maldives, Mongolia, Moldova, Namibia, Nepal, New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, and Zimbabwe—arrive in New Delhi.
During the first meeting, which was chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sh. Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Dr Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Shri Gyanesh Kumar, engaged with the Election Commission of India. The delegates were then split up into six smaller groups and sent to tour polling places in thirteen constituencies throughout the states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh.
The groups’ visit was arranged by the CEOs of the States to observe the logistics, webcasting setup, and level of preparedness for the polls. Additionally, the groups were expected to interact with presiding officers and polling officers on pre-poll day, watch a mock poll, and participate in actual polling on election day, which is May 7, 2024.
