Prime Minister Modi Urges Governance Continuity Amidst Election Preparations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized to his ministers the importance of maintaining governance and decision-making processes even amidst the preparations for the upcoming general elections. The 2019 general elections, held in seven phases from April 11 to May 19, culminated in the declaration of results for the members of the 17th Lok Sabha on May 23, 2019.
Today, the Election Commission is set to announce the general elections for the 18th Lok Sabha. The crucial question arises whether the EC will consider reducing the number of phases of polling or maintain a similar approach as in 2019. While state police and paramilitary forces are tasked with ensuring the safety of voters and preventing electoral coercion, the internal security landscape has significantly improved since 2019.
With Jammu and Kashmir adjusting to the abrogation of Article 370 and Maoist insurgency contained to the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh, the internal security situation appears relatively stable. Despite instances of political violence in West Bengal and ethnic tensions in Manipur, overall stability prevails, although religious radicalization among minority communities remains a concern.
Given the decrease in terror incidents across the country and the relative calm in the hinterland since 2019, the EC has an opportunity to consider reducing the number of election phases, thereby minimizing the logistical burden and associated costs. However, concerns regarding the potential for political violence, terror strikes, and external interference necessitate cautious deliberation.
In an era marked by the proliferation of deep fake AI technology, India’s adversaries, including major powers and the Pakistani deep state, could exploit electoral vulnerabilities to manipulate public opinion. Additionally, cyberattacks originating from countries like China and East European nations have targeted Indian governance systems, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Prime Minister Modi’s directive underscores the government’s commitment to continuing governance and decision-making processes uninterrupted until the conclusion of its term. Whether the Election Commission opts to streamline the election process to facilitate uninterrupted governance remains to be seen, balancing the imperative of democratic participation with the demands of effective governance.
