The event of elections is preceded by preparatory tasks by both the EC and political parties. While one is involved with updating and printing of electoral rolls, assessment of problems in the constituencies, calibration of EVMs, voter education, deployment of security personnel, and so on, the other is on the move preparing manifestos, distributing campaign material, doing day-to-day canvassing and making media appearances. As discussed in the last chapter, elections involve enormous resources, personnel, infrastructure, logistics, time and coordination. India's size and numbers make this task even more onerous. The effective working of the electoral administration is of utmost importance to keep the wheels of democracy moving smoothly. The EC has to ensure that voters are able to vote freely, that they do not face intimidation and violence and that elections happen with minimal obstructions within the stipulated time. Accessibility of voting facilities, safety of voters and secrecy of the vote are important responsibilities that can be accomplished only by an efficient, adequately staffed, well-coordinated, sufficiently equipped and sensitive electoral administration.

The ‘Big’ Indian Elections

The enormity of an Indian election can be gauged from former CEC S. Y. Quraishi's words:

This election machinery of about 11 million people (the enormity of this figure can be gauged by comparing it to the population of Hyderabad, which is about 10 million) conducts a task that begins with the preparation of schedules and sequencing of elections in various states and ends with the declaration of results. The personnel are both directly and indirectly involved in the conduct of the general elections. About 900 million Indians were eligible to vote in 2019, and organising an election for this mammoth number indicates the quantum of responsibility on the shoulders of the EC personnel. Former CEC Nasim Zaidi reiterated the fact about the enormity of responsibility of the electoral administration.