Election Bribery in Arunachal Pradesh, India
Senior leaders of the ruling BJP party hold an election campaign rally at a playground outside Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, in the second week of April. Voting took place in the remote northeastern Indian state on April 19. Bribery is a common practice during elections in India, despite being illegal. The election commission rarely pursues prosecutions of those suspected of bribery, sending the wrong signal to political parties. Elections in far-flung places like Arunachal Pradesh make it easier to get away with bribery due to less media and central authorities' scrutiny.
Key Points
- Bribery is a common practice in Indian elections, despite being illegal
- The election commission seizes cash and goods suspected of being used for bribery, but prosecutions are rare
- Elections in remote areas like Arunachal Pradesh make it easier to engage in bribery due to less oversight
Pros
- Raising awareness about the negative impact of trading cash and gifts for votes
- Highlighting the prevalence of bribery in Indian elections
- Exposing the challenges faced by the election commission in enforcing laws against bribery
Cons
- Bribery continues to be a widespread issue during elections in India
- Lack of prosecution for those suspected of bribery undermines the integrity of the electoral process