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How Far are the Electoral Rolls in India Ideal for a Democracy?

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  • J. Retnakumar

    (ICFAI Business School Hyderabad, India)

Abstract

The base of a democracy lies with the voter population of that country, and they are supposed to uphold the principles of one-person, one-value and one-vote. But, how far can India’s electoral rolls embrace those basic principles of democracy? In India, there are provisions for annual revision of the electoral rolls of every constituency, which includes the inclusion of eligible and exclusion of ineligible electors. In this context, it is important to examine to what extent the voter population in the electoral roll matches with the actual voter population. Which are the major states responsible for anomalies in the electoral rolls? What are the possible explanations for the inconsistencies in the electoral roll? This article addresses these issues and the findings suggest that the over-reporting of electors in the electoral rolls is to the extent of 20 million in 2004. It throws into light the exigency for improving the quality of electoral rolls timely and with proper methods prior to every election to maintain the principles of democracy.

Suggested Citation

  • J. Retnakumar, 2009. "How Far are the Electoral Rolls in India Ideal for a Democracy?," Journal of South Asian Development, , vol. 4(2), pages 137-160, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:soudev:v:4:y:2009:i:2:p:137-160
    DOI: 10.1177/097317410900400201
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