India: Calls Grow for Chief Election Commissioner’s Resignation, Nationwide Protest Set for October 2

Distrust in government institutions in India is reportedly deepening, with calls for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner gaining momentum following earlier demands concerning the Education Minister. Young people across the country have reportedly joined protests over the issue.

According to Hindustan Times, a youth-led movement called the “Cockroach Janta Party” has called for nationwide protests on October 2 if the Chief Election Commissioner does not resign.

Indian social activist Sonam Wangchuk has also publicly supported the demand for the Chief Election Commissioner’s resignation and the students’ protest call. Wangchuk said that a transparent and impartial electoral process is fundamental to the survival of democracy in any country.

Meanwhile, international experts on electoral and constitutional affairs have argued that what they described as self-serving and biased policies by the Modi government have seriously undermined the credibility, autonomy and professional functioning of India’s state and public institutions.