YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has made key remarks on the ongoing debate over the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI). In a post on his ‘X’ account, Jagan said democracy can remain strong only when people have complete confidence in constitutional institutions such as the Election Commission.
His remarks came amid reports in the national media that two Election Commissioners had, on several occasions, raised objections concerning decisions, electoral rolls and the management of the ECINET platform. Jagan said such reports had raised several questions and doubts among the public.
Jagan Seeks Clarity on Election Commission Objections
Jagan said the issue should not be reduced to an exchange of allegations and counter-allegations. Instead, he said the public needs clarity on the specific issues over which objections were raised, what action was taken on those objections and how transparently the electoral processes were handled.
He particularly referred to processes involving the addition, deletion and restoration of names in electoral rolls. According to Jagan, people should be given clear information about how these decisions were taken and whether the prescribed procedures were followed transparently.
He said protecting every citizen’s right to vote and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process should remain key priorities.
Transparency and Public Confidence
Jagan stressed that transparency in the functioning of democratic institutions is important, but it is equally important for citizens to have confidence that transparency has actually been maintained.
He said public trust in the Election Commission depends not only on the institution functioning according to established procedures but also on people being able to understand and have confidence in those processes.
According to Jagan, transparency and accountability should be the primary standards by which the functioning of democratic institutions is assessed.
Call to Reconsider 2023 Election Commissioners Act
Against this backdrop, Jagan called on the Union government to reconsider the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
Jagan recalled that his party had supported the legislation when it was introduced. However, he said the present circumstances required a fresh review of the mechanism through which Election Commissioners are appointed.
He argued that changes should be considered to ensure greater neutrality and public confidence in the appointment process.
Jagan Seeks Three-Member Selection Panel
Jagan proposed bringing back a three-member committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India for the appointment of Election Commissioners.
He used the example of a student appointing the person who would evaluate his or her examination to explain why neutrality in the appointment process is important.
Jagan said a more neutral appointment mechanism could help reduce doubts and strengthen public confidence in the Election Commission.
Raises Concerns Over SIR Process in Andhra Pradesh
Jagan also referred to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process undertaken in Andhra Pradesh.
He alleged that the ruling party had misused its authority during the process and claimed that several objections raised by the YSRCP were not taken into consideration.
Jagan also referred to the delimitation and reorganisation of divisions in the local body election process. He alleged that the objections raised by his party as the Opposition were not properly considered.
Accountability Key to Strengthening Democracy
According to Jagan, developments of this nature could weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
He reiterated that transparency and accountability are fundamental to the functioning of democratic institutions and said protecting these principles is a basic responsibility of such institutions.
Jagan maintained that strengthening safeguards around electoral processes, protecting citizens’ voting rights and ensuring greater transparency in decision-making are essential for maintaining public trust in democracy.
