Page 19 - Leap of Faith Vol - 2

Introduction

‘ uch more important than the integration and

standardisation of the constituent States of the
MRepublic is the great democratic election which
is going to be held within a few months from now. It would
be unparalleled in the history of the world. I am sure that it
would awaken the sleeping giant of this country to the
consciousness of its great power and potentiality. Need I
express the hope that the adage ‘vox populi, vox dei’ would
be remembered by you when you cast your votes and
declare your choice. You have the power of gods, and let
me hope you would use it like gods’.

Thus spoke Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of
India, in his Independence Day eve broadcast to the Page on Elections in the Illustrated Copy of the Constitution of India (1949)
nation on August 14, 1951. The impending First General
Elections (1951-52) were a “great experiment” in The Constitution of India (1949), adopted by the
democracy, on the success of which depended not only Constituent Assembly, proclaimed the sovereignty of the
the future course of India but also of the free world. people, and established a democratic republic. However,
These elections were not only largest in the world, with it was the successful conduct of the First General
an electorate size of 173.2 million (17.32 cr), but Elections (1951-52) based on adult suffrage and the
undertaken in a country that was yet economically subsequent Presidential Election (1952) that actualised
underdeveloped and poorly literate (16.6 percent). The this transfer of sovereignty. From being a Crown colony,
outcome of applying adult suffrage on such population India became a democratic Republic by having elected
was imponderable, even though challenges of electoral legislatures and an elected Head of the State, under the
management were manifest. However, Dr. Rajendra provisions of the Constitution, further elaborated upon
Prasad's faith in the Indian electorate was not misplaced. by the statutes and subsidiary legislations.

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