Page 12 - Leap of Faith Vol - 2

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Election Commissioner of India

ndia has completed 75 years of her independence. It is justly proud of its catalytic role in institutionalising
is important for the new generation to recapitulate democracy in India. Last year we completed 70 year of
I the democratic values that inspired our freedom the First General Elections (1951-52), which established
movement. The process of the democratisation of the the credentials of the newly formed Election Commission
councils was an integral part of freedom struggle. It is in of India, to conduct the world's largest elections in a free,
this connection that demand for elections were fair and credible manner. It marked India's transition from
repeatedly raised by the Indian leadership before they a colonial nation to a democratic republic.
were conceded.
Election Commission of India is constantly streamlining its
The elections held in colonial era were based on small activities and coming up with innovative solutions, so as to
franchise size. They were conducted by the provincial make the future elections a truer reflection of the
administration. The Constituent Assembly (1946-49), by electorate's verdict. The second and enlarged edition of
deciding in favour of a single, central and permanent body ‘Leap of Faith: Journey of Indian Elections’ reinforces this
viz. Election Commission of India to hold elections, to the legacy. This book will help readers gain perspective about
legislatures, based on adult suffrage, set a new trend for
the electoral history, current scenario and future plans
the democratic world. It ensured efficiency and that ensure free, fair, accessible, participatory and
impartiality of the elections.
accessible elections.
The vibrancy of elections is an index of the health of
democracy in the country. Elections are more than events;
they are a philosophy. No good democracy can be built on
the foundations of bad elections. Elections therefore have
to be free, fair, clean as well as inclusive and voter friendly.
Every public institution should nurture its heritage. It is Anup Chandra Pandey
especially true about Election Commission of India, which Election Commissioner of India

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