Nationalism and democracy

In a thriving democracy, free and fair elections are vital, but so is strengthening constitutionally empowered institutions

India has announced the holding of general elections for the 18th Lok Sabha from April 19 to June 1. This is a momentous event not just for India but also for the world. Its scale is unprecedented and its management a formidable challenge. The drama of nearly a billion people out of a population of 1.4 billion exercising their constitutional right to elect those who shall govern them over the next five years is unparalleled in history. This should be a matter of celebration and of justifiable pride for all Indians. Elections may not be sufficient for democracy but they