India’s Experiment with Democracy, by S. Y. Quraishi

Book review by Ms. Seena Mary Thankachan, Research Associate, PIC

India’s Experiment with Democracy: The Life of a Nation Through Its Elections, by Dr. S Y Quraishi, offers a compelling and insightful examination of India’s electoral system and its evolution. Quraishi, who joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1971 and rose to become the 17th Chief Election Commissioner of India, brings a wealth of experience and firsthand knowledge to this comprehensive analysis. During his tenure, he introduced several significant electoral reforms, notably the creation of the Voter Education Division, which aimed to enhance voter awareness and participation.
The slogan “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, meaning “the world is one family”, is juxtaposed against the harsh realities of casteism and racism that continue to plague Indian society. Dr. Quraishi argues that these divisions have deepened since 2014, leading to a more violent and intolerant society. This societal fragmentation has allowed political manipulation and the consolidation of power by certain groups. Quraishi highlights how the increasing role of money has overshadowed the legitimate power of the Indian electorate, culminating in the 2019 Indian election becoming the world’s most expensive democratic exercise, with the BJP alone spending over half of the total expenses.
The book’s initial chapters delve into the history of Indian elections and the evolution of its democratic framework. The journey began in 1951, a period marked by significant challenges such as widespread illiteracy, the traumatic partition of India and Pakistan, and religious riots. Despite these hurdles, the first Indian election was a monumental achievement, showcasing the resilience and determination of the Indian populace. This historical perspective sets a hopeful tone for the future of India’s democracy, emphasising the enduring spirit of its people.
However, Quraishi does not shy away from addressing the shortcomings in representation within the Indian parliament, particularly concerning women and the Muslim community. The 2014 election recorded the lowest Muslim representation in India’s history at a mere 4.2%, raising questions about the principles enshrined in the Indian Constitution’s Preamble. This underrepresentation underscores Nobel laureate Amartya Sen’s assertion that while India may not initially be fit for democracy, it becomes fit through the democratic process.
One of the book’s significant contributions is its discussion of the need for political reforms. Quraishi identifies two critical areas often overlooked by political parties and legal frameworks: internal democracy within political parties, and financial transparency. He asserts that a political party cannot be dictatorial internally while claiming to function democratically. Additionally, the author calls for mandatory disclosure of political parties’ financial statements to ensure accountability and reduce corruption.
The book also critiques the Election Commission of India (ECI), highlighting its struggles with credibility and effectiveness. Bureaucratic complaints and criticism have plagued the ECI, suggesting its mechanisms for ensuring free and fair elections are weak. Quraishi recounts instances where the ECI was criticised for its inaction, leading to the apex court’s exasperation and the ECI’s admission of being “toothless” and “powerless.” This admission underscores the need for substantial reforms to empower the ECI and restore its authority.
To address these issues, Quraishi proposes reforms to strengthen the ECI’s powers. These include making the commission independent and granting it greater disciplinary power over political parties. The author argues that such reforms are essential for enhancing the commission’s effectiveness and restoring integrity to India’s electoral process. This forward-looking discussion provides a blueprint for a more transparent and fair democratic future in India.
The author also tackles the issue of money laundering and the illegal use of funds during elections. Quraishi recounts a personal experience handling a money laundering case involving 13 crore rupees during the 2012 Uttar Pradesh election. Despite these occurrences, Indian elections are still perceived as free and fair, a perception that Quraishi challenges. He questions the sources of the enormous sums of black money funnelled into election campaigns, particularly by major parties like the BJP, calling for greater transparency regarding these funds. The potential links to foreign donations, criminal activities, drugs, or real estate mafias make this a critical area for reform.
Quraishi’s unique position as a former Chief Election Commissioner provides a deeply humanised and authoritative perspective on these issues. His firsthand experiences and unwavering commitment to democratic principles shine through the narrative, making the book an academic critique and a heartfelt plea for reform.
In conclusion, India’s Experiment with Democracy is a profound exploration of the strengths and weaknesses of India’s democratic system. The book combines historical context, critical analysis, and forward-thinking proposals to understand the challenges facing Indian democracy comprehensively. Quraishi’s work is a call to action for political reforms, greater transparency, and the empowerment of institutions like the Election Commission to safeguard the democratic values that underpin the Indian republic.