India lags major economies in electoral integrity perception rankings

India has underperformed compared to seven other major economies in measures of electoral integrity, based on an analysis of how citizens perceive the fairness and trustworthiness of electoral systems. The comparative assessment, which evaluates public confidence in voting mechanisms and institutional credibility, places India below peer nations in key indicators of democratic health.

The Perceptions of Electoral Integrity Index tracks how citizens in various countries view their electoral processes, examining factors such as campaign financing transparency, ballot security, and the independence of election management bodies. The index serves as a barometer of public trust in democratic institutions during a period when electoral processes face mounting scrutiny globally.

India's position in the rankings reflects broader concerns about electoral trust in democracies of varying sizes and development stages. The assessment excludes authoritarian systems such as China and Russia, focusing instead on comparative performance among nations with competitive electoral systems. Public perception of electoral integrity carries significant implications for democratic participation and citizen engagement in political processes.

The findings underscore the importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms that enhance transparency and build public confidence in electoral systems. Election authorities and policymakers across democracies continue to grapple with balancing accessibility, security, and public trust in voting infrastructure. As electoral processes evolve with technological innovation, maintaining perception of integrity remains central to sustaining democratic legitimacy.