Future of democracy lies in making ballot access more inclusive, accessible: Guv | The Arunachal Times

Itanagar, India Jul 12, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 11 Jul: Governor KT Parnaik stated that the future of democracy hinges on making ballot access more inclusive, accessible, and meaningful for every eligible citizen, while firmly safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the electoral process. His remarks come at a critical time when many democracies around the world are grappling with issues related to voter suppression, disenfranchisement, and the overall accessibility of the electoral process.

The governor emphasized the necessity of harnessing the transformative power of technology to enhance transparency, efficiency, and public confidence in elections, while remaining vigilant to emerging challenges. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly and the integrity of electoral processes can be questioned, the role of technology becomes paramount. Innovations such as electronic voting machines, online voter registration, and real-time election monitoring can contribute to a more transparent and efficient electoral process.

Participating in a virtual international conference on the theme ‘Ballot Access by Political Parties and Candidates’ from the Lok Bhavan on Friday, the governor described the conference as more than a professional forum, calling it “a celebration of democracy’s enduring values.” This characterization underscores the significance of such gatherings in fostering dialogue and collaboration among various stakeholders in the democratic process.

The conference reinforced the collective commitment to ensuring that every eligible citizen can participate in the democratic process, that every genuine political voice is heard, and that democratic institutions remain fair, transparent, and inclusive. This commitment is particularly important in the context of rising populism and political polarization, which can often lead to the marginalization of certain groups within society.

The event was organized by the state chief electoral office under the guidance of the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management (IIIDEM) and in collaboration with Raj Gandhi University, Rono Hills. The involvement of academic institutions and electoral management bodies indicates a growing recognition of the importance of evidence-based research and policy-making in the realm of electoral governance.

The governor highlighted that a clear understanding of existing challenges enables the formulation of more effective reforms and responsive policies. He urged all stakeholders to approach issues with sensitivity, empathy, and an inclusive perspective, ensuring that governance remains people-centric and responsive to the needs of every citizen. This approach aligns with global best practices in democratic governance, which emphasize the importance of inclusivity and responsiveness in public policy.

“My long years in public service have taught me that institutions remain strong not because of authority alone, but because of their willingness to learn, adapt, and improve,” he stated. This acknowledgment of the dynamic nature of governance is crucial, as it suggests that institutions must evolve in response to changing societal needs and challenges. The governor added, “The most respected institutions are those that remain open to new ideas, learn from experience, and embrace constructive change.” Such adaptability is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring the continued relevance of democratic institutions.

Highlighting the proactive approach of the Election Commission of India, the governor praised the IIIDEM for uniting election practitioners, technology experts, academicians, media professionals, and international partners to address emerging challenges in a rapidly changing technological landscape. This collaborative approach is vital in an age where electoral processes are increasingly influenced by technology, social media, and global trends.

He also commended the involvement of all 36 chief electoral officers in thematic research on election management. This research is crucial for identifying best practices and innovative solutions to common challenges faced by electoral management bodies. By fostering a culture of research and knowledge-sharing, these institutions can better navigate the complexities of modern electoral processes.

Stressing that every democracy offers valuable lessons, he noted that collaboration and dialogue help strengthen democratic institutions worldwide. This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of global democracies and the importance of sharing experiences and strategies to enhance electoral integrity and inclusivity.

Referring to India’s role as the world’s largest democracy, he pointed out initiatives such as the ‘Atlas of Democracies of the World’ and the ‘ECI-Net’ as examples of India’s commitment to innovation and global cooperation. These initiatives not only showcase India’s democratic values but also serve as platforms for sharing knowledge and best practices with other democracies, thereby contributing to the global discourse on electoral governance.

He remarked that holding these deliberations is significant, as the state’s rich cultural diversity and ongoing electoral roll revision covering nearly 8.9 lakh electors reflect its deep democratic commitment. The ongoing efforts to update and maintain electoral rolls are crucial for ensuring that all eligible voters have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process, thus reinforcing the principle of universal suffrage.

The governor also underscored the importance of creating greater opportunities for women, youths, indigenous communities, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups to participate fully in democratic life. This focus on inclusivity is essential for building stronger, more representative, and vibrant societies. By ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented, democracies can better address the needs and aspirations of all citizens.

Emphasizing global cooperation, he stated that election management bodies must work closely by sharing knowledge, exchanging best practices, and learning from one another’s experiences. This call for collaboration reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by electoral management bodies worldwide, including issues related to voter suppression, misinformation, and the impact of technology on electoral processes.

“While challenges may vary across nations,” he noted, “the commitment to democratic values is universal.” This assertion highlights the shared responsibility of all democracies to uphold and promote democratic principles, even in the face of adversity. The governor concluded, “Such collaboration can help build institutions that are resilient, innovative, and responsive to the needs of the people.” This vision for resilient democratic institutions is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of democracy in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

He called upon all stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to preserving public trust and ensuring that democracy remains a powerful force for peace, dignity, progress, and inclusive development. This emphasis on public trust is particularly important in contemporary politics, where skepticism towards institutions can undermine democratic legitimacy.

Chief Electoral Officer Pawan Kumar Sain, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Liken Koyu, Administrative Reforms Commission Chairman Pramod K Jain, and Prof SK Nayak from RGU also shared their thoughts on the occasion. Their contributions reflect the collaborative spirit of the conference and the importance of engaging diverse perspectives in discussions about electoral governance.

East Kameng Deputy Commissioner Yashaswani B and Prof Chandrachur Singh from Hindu College, Delhi delivered a presentation on ‘Trust and Democratic Resilience Electoral Management and Political Representation’. This presentation likely explored the relationship between public trust in electoral processes and the overall resilience of democratic institutions, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in electoral management.

Longding Deputy Commissioner Kunal Yadav and Prof Rohit Dwivedi from IIM, Shillong provided a presentation on ‘Diagnosing and Institutionalising Electoral Resilience, from Democratic Stress Points to Model Standards’. This session likely addressed the various challenges faced by electoral systems and offered insights into best practices for strengthening electoral resilience.

Keyi Panyor SP Angad Mehta and Prof Vandana Mishra from JNU, Delhi gave a presentation on ‘Strengthening Electoral Democracy International Norms, Comparative Practices and Standards for Inclusive Participation’. This presentation likely emphasized the importance of adhering to international norms and standards in electoral processes to promote inclusivity and fairness.

The conference featured open discussions and interactions with participants, including a large number from various countries, such as representatives from South Africa, chief electoral officers of all states of India, and district election officers (DEOs). Many DEOs were physically present at the conference. The diverse participation underscores the global nature of the challenges faced by electoral systems and the importance of collaborative solutions to address these issues.