Critics, opposition slam India’s election body for bias towards Modi’s ruling BJP: ‘extremely compromised’
- India’s election commission faces accusations of bias towards the ruling BJP by refusing to reign in the party’s divisive campaign rhetoric
- The next government of India should establish a mechanism of selecting election commission members to ensure their independence, analysts say
India’s election authority is facing mounting criticism over its handling of the country’s national polls, even as foreign delegates are set to arrive to observe the fourth phase of the two-month election.
Political analysts have questioned the commission’s request for validation by the 75 foreign delegates, who are visiting India at New Delhi’s invite. Analysts say weak public trust in the commission and Delhi’s invitation to the delegates stemmed from mounting pressure over allegations of unfairness.
Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar over the weekend said the invitation to international observers aimed to foster transparency and showed India’s commitment to high standards of electoral practices.
“This is in line with our established policy of disclosure, working from the position of strength that we have nothing to hide.”
