The Election Commission of India (ECI) has made unprecedented strides to ensure that the General Elections 2024 are the most inclusive and accessible in the country’s history. With a commitment to ensuring that no eligible voter is deprived of their right to vote due to physical or other barriers, the ECI has introduced several groundbreaking initiatives. As the elections progress through their six phases, immense enthusiasm has been observed among diverse voter groups, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), senior citizens, transgenders, and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
One of the most notable innovations in this election is the optional home voting facility, introduced for the first time on a pan-India basis. This facility allows senior citizens above 85 years of age and PwDs with a benchmark disability of 40% or more to vote from the comfort of their homes using a postal ballot. This initiative marks a significant paradigm shift in the electoral process and has been met with an enthusiastic response. Social media platforms are abuzz with heartwarming scenes of smiling voters expressing their gratitude for being able to vote without the challenges of physical mobility. The process ensures the secrecy and integrity of the vote, with polling staff, security personnel, and candidate agents overseeing the procedure.
Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar, alongside Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, have spearheaded these groundbreaking efforts. CEC Rajiv Kumar remarked, “The Commission has a deeply rooted resolve to continuously improve electoral processes, setting new global standards. The ECI is committed to making elections truly reflective of our country’s spirit of plurality and diversity.” He stressed the ECI’s dedication to embedding inclusivity and accessibility principles throughout the entire election process.
Preparations for these initiatives began two years ago, focusing on updating and registering eligible citizens in the electoral rolls. Special registration drives and camps were organized, targeting various voter groups that are often underrepresented. This multipronged strategy has been key to enhancing participation among communities that are at risk of being deprived of their voting rights.
Beyond addressing physical barriers, the ECI has also worked to remove social barriers and stigma that affect vulnerable populations such as transgenders, sex workers, and PVTGs. Special enrollment camps were organized in collaboration with civil society organizations, significantly increasing the registration of third-gender voters. Tamil Nadu leads the country with the highest number of third-gender electors, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
In addition to these efforts, the ECI’s Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative included organizing a T-20 cricket match between the Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) and the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) teams. This event, held on March 16, 2024, aimed to raise voter awareness among PwD electors and promote inclusive elections.
The ECI’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the General Elections 2024 not only sets a new benchmark for India but also serves as an inspiration globally. By ensuring that every eligible voter can exercise their right to vote, the ECI is truly embodying the spirit of democracy.
