Intriguing insights into the history of Indian elections

In 1951, a mere five years after gaining independence, India embarked on its first general election—a monumental endeavor. The newly formed Election Commission faced immense challenges, such as the lack of prior experience in conducting elections and managing the vast geographical expanse of the country. Moreover, a largely illiterate electorate added to the complexity.

This unprecedented election was a massive act of faith, laying the foundation for the world’s largest democracy. However, through innovative and disruptive thinking, India and its first election commissioner transformed it into a resounding success.

Here are some fascinating facts about the history of Indian elections and the challenges they addressed:

1. Voting Age and Equality for All Citizens: Right from the outset, India implemented universal adult suffrage for citizens aged 21 and above, which was further reduced to 18 years in 1989. In comparison, in the United States, African Americans had to wait almost 100 years, and women in some states nearly 150 years after independence, to secure voting rights.
2. The First Election Commissioner of India: Sukumar Sen, India’s inaugural Election Commissioner, was instrumental in managing the electoral process and ensuring its fairness. To aid those who were illiterate, symbols were created and assigned to political parties, thereby improving the accessibility and inclusivity of the elections.
3. The Top-Secret Indelible Ink: To combat electoral fraud, a photosensitive indelible ink was developed to mark voters’ fingers, thus preventing double voting. The formula for this ink remains a closely guarded secret to this day.
4. The First Ever Ballot Box: The first ballot box, manufactured in Vikhroli, a suburb of Bombay, cost ₹5 per unit. These boxes were vital for ensuring fair and secure voting, allowing voters to cast their ballots confidentially. They were distributed to the country’s most remote areas using various means of transportation, including trains, cars, camels, and elephants.

    

   India and its Election Commission went to great lengths to accomplish this monumental task, ensuring that every adult, irrespective of gender, religion, or cultural background, had the right to vote. This commitment set Indian elections as a global standard, with the process continually evolving over the years.