GadTramp.com - The Indian Elections, Nicely Done

The Indian Elections, Nicely Done

From Delhi, India
Sunday, May 17, 2009
After 5 different voting dates, spread over a month, the Indian election is finally over. And amazingly, over relatively peacefully. Yes, there were some small outbreaks of violence. But they were small. One incident which made me laugh (even though it's not funny)... a political opponent in a small village was hung from a tree. But really, the whole process was extremely civilized. There were no reports of voting irregularity. Not something I can say never happens in my own country. And more importantly, most of the people I talk to are quite politically aware. And I'm not hanging out with the elite. Except for last night... had coffee a political think tanker. And just when I was starting to think the Indian election was better conducted than American elections, he pointed out that there's still a ways to go. Apparently, up to 25% of Indian politicians have criminal indictments pending against them. All about money. But with the daily reports of new British MPs caught cheating the system... is Britain that far from that 25% figure? Overall, the Indian electoral process was very impressive. Oh, and the current, moderate Congress Party won. Tags: India

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