India Leads World's Major Democracies in Electoral Transparency, Says CEC Gyanesh Kumar

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on Monday said India leads the world's major democracies with a transparent electoral process , asserting that every stage of elections is subject to concurrent auditing by political parties and candidates. Speaking during his three day visit to Jammu and Kashmir , Kumar said the country's electoral system ensures transparency from the preparation of the voter list to polling and counting.

Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Kumar said the preparation of electoral rolls, polling and counting are continuously scrutinised by political parties and candidates, making India's election process among the most transparent globally. He added that India currently holds the chairmanship of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) , an intergovernmental organisation that promotes sustainable democracy worldwide, and said this reflected global recognition of India's electoral practices.

Earlier, Kumar addressed a gathering of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in Budgam district, around 12 kilometres from Srinagar, describing them as the pillars of democracy. He extended greetings to the voters of Jammu and Kashmir and acknowledged the contribution of BLOs, BLO supervisors, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs), Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and District Election Officers (DEOs) in conducting free and fair elections.

The visit, which began on June 28, is aimed at strengthening grassroots electoral administration through interactions with voters, BLOs and field level election officials. The Election Commission said the programme focuses on improving voter engagement, enhancing preparedness of election machinery and promoting inclusive democratic participation in the Union Territory. Kumar was received in Srinagar by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer Sanjeev Verma , Budgam Deputy Commissioner Athar Amir Khan and other senior officials. As of Monday evening, no new policy announcements or election related decisions had been made during the visit.