India: Questions Over Electoral System, Calls Grow for Chief Election Commissioner’s Resignation

In India, public and political protests have intensified following questions over the transparency of the electoral process under the Modi government and alleged irregularities in voter lists, with calls for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar gaining momentum.

According to The Straits Times, police used tear gas and force to disperse Congress protesters who took to the streets demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported that the political group Cockroach Janta Party, which had previously called for the removal of the Indian Education Minister, also demanded the immediate resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging manipulation and irregularities in voter lists.

According to a report by Indian media outlet The Wire, students and ordinary citizens who raised their voices against alleged manipulation of voter lists were initially harassed by police, after which dozens of people were detained.

Internal affairs experts and analysts said the controversy surrounding the electoral process and voter lists has raised serious questions about India’s democratic credentials and the prospects for free and fair elections in the future.