International Journal on Science and Technology

E-ISSN: 2229-7677     Impact Factor: 9.88

A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 16 Issue 2 April-June 2025 Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of April-June.

The Digital Transformation of Indian Elections: Opportunities and Challenges for Democratic Integrity

Author(s) Monika, Shivam Chaturvedi
Country India
Abstract ABSTRACT
Good governance is fundamental to the stability and growth of any society, as it provides the foundation for a robust societal framework. In this context, digital transformation plays a crucial role in enhancing governance by fostering greater transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity. With two-thirds of India’s population currently using smartphones, and projections indicating one billion users by 2026, initiatives such as C-Vigil,Saksham ECI app, and the Digital India campaign have significantly empowered the nation, promoting civic engagement and voter awareness. These digital initiatives facilitate informed participation in the democratic process and enhance governmental accountability. While technology has undeniably improved decision-making and voter autonomy, it also introduces new challenges, including the potential for errors in judgment. The integration of technology in governance strengthens decision-making and public accountability, ensuring greater responsiveness and adaptability to future challenges. This study explores how digital technologies can enhance the efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity of India’s electoral processes, while also addressing risks to democratic integrity, such as cyber security concerns, unequal access to technology, and regional disparities. Additionally, challenges like the absence of independent vote verification, and the misuse of social media, artificial intelligence, and fake advertising, raise critical concerns for the integrity of digital elections. The influence of social media content from political rallies, along with the lack of transparency in advertisement funding and political messaging verification, underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to safeguard electoral integrity in the digital age. The digitalization of citizen services delivery in India is ushering in a new era of transparency and integrity, empowering citizens and strengthening the social contract. Digital platforms allow citizens to submit applications, track their status, and access information on various services offered by government departments. This eliminates the need for physical visits and reduces the risk of manipulation or delays. Integrity is critical to democratic governance, yet the concept is interpreted and applied in myriad ways. Electoral integrity is monitored worldwide to ensure that elections are free, fair, and competitive. Monitory institutions or watchdog bodies have been institutionalized to scrutinize abuses of power (Keane 2009). Within other areas of democratic innovation, debates on integrity are more advanced and have reflected on the elements of empowerment and control (e.g Goldfrank 2021).
Keywords KEYWORDS- Democracy, India, digital elections, transformation, integrity, governance
Field Sociology > Politics
Published In Volume 16, Issue 1, January-March 2025
Published On 2025-02-24
Cite This The Digital Transformation of Indian Elections: Opportunities and Challenges for Democratic Integrity - Monika, Shivam Chaturvedi - IJSAT Volume 16, Issue 1, January-March 2025. DOI 10.71097/IJSAT.v16.i1.2091
DOI https://doi.org/10.71097/IJSAT.v16.i1.2091
Short DOI https://doi.org/g85943

Share this