A promise to live by (Political parties and the promise of Indian democracy)

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 A promise to live by (Political parties and the promise of Indian democracy)

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• Re-imagining Indian democracy : We realise again that with the elections to the 17th Lok Sabha, Indian democracy can re-imagine itself. When India adopted the constitution, our founder-fathers adopted the parliamentary democratic system. After 16 Lok Sabhas, and countless other elections, their beliefs are proven right. 
• Three good things : Despite the dark chapter of democracy - the Emergency in the 1970s - India has done three things right -

1. widening representation,
2. devolution of power, and
3. redistribution of resources.

• Problems with our democracy : Many problems exist, including disinformation campaigns, corruption, disenfranchisement of the weak, money and muscle power in election, and majoritarian tendencies. Women and minorities are grossly under-represented.
• Elections are our pride : The process itself can make any Indian proud! The Election Commission is a fine institution, and sustains democracy. The EVMs and other measures have raised voter participation.
• The 2019 elections : This is the moment to reiterate and reinforce core democratic values of India, and reinforce its collective spirit. The ECI has said it would curb the spread of falsehoods done with the intent of consolidating votes.
• Specific steps : Better monitoring of social media campaigns, are not enough by themselves. Given the high level of competitiveness in politics now, many politicians simply disregard the rules.
• Parties beware : Both the incumbents and the challengers have to understand that if they indulge in communal polarisation, then democracy itself is at stake. The faith in voters' minds that the act of voting itself is empowerment, must not be broken at all.
• Summary : The 2019 elections are one more opportunity for political parties to play the game by the rules, not communally polarise the masses, and sustain the belief that voters have always had in the power of an average Indian voter's right to vote.

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