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Introduction

The seventh chapter outlines some of the major legal, administrative and technological architecture has
achievements of the Commission in recent times. The played a key role in bettering the conduct of the elections.
eighth chapter focuses on the proposed electoral reforms.
The book is likely to contribute to a better understanding The scope of the subject attempted in this book is wide and
of elections as a factor in actualising democracy. diverse; and the time period covered is equally extensive.
Though, not exhaustive, the book portrays the broad ideas,
India was a pioneer of democracy in the non-Western timelines and events marking the growth of representative
world. This was a status she achieved completely by her government and electoral democracy in India- and the role
own efforts, long before international democracy Election Commission of India played in the process.
assistance or electoral assistance programmes came into
vogue. The makers of Indian Constitution, by conceiving Almost all source materials employed in writing this book
a permanent, autonomous and constitutionally-backed – whether belonging to Election Commission of India or
Election Commission of India, displayed great wisdom external – are in public domain and have been cited in the
and foresight in the cause of free, fair and credible references section. The updated statistics have been
elections. This model of permanent and independent provided by the Statistical Division, Election Commission
electoral management bodies have found favour with of India.
many new democracies.
It was gratifying that as this book was about to go to print,
India has throughout maintained the distinction of being a landmark electoral reform legislation viz. Election Laws
the world's largest democracy as the electorate size shot (Amendment) Act, 2021 that addressed several long
up more than five times from 174 million (17.4 crores) to pending issues was promulgated. This important piece of
911.9 million (91.19 crores) between the First General legislation will help streamline electoral management
Elections (1951-52) and the Seventeenth General and enhance enrollment of electors.
Elections (2019). However, the growth of elections in
India can not be captured through statistics alone. When India has entered the 75th year of her
Incessant efforts by Election Commission of India have independence, there is a need to recapitulate the
made a positive impact in numerous aspects. The aim has foundational legacy of the republic. By bringing India’s
been to make every election better than the preceding electoral evolution in sharp focus, the book intends to
one in terms of electors' experience. The evolution in deepen our democratic traditions.

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