Protect the referee, even as you question the decision

In the game of democracy, it is crucial to protect the referee—the Election Commission of India (ECI)—even while questioning its decisions. The ECI, like the ancient Greek concept of the sabha, holds no power or influence beyond its credibility. When we undermine this credibility for political gain, we undermine the very foundation of our democracy.

The Vedas teach us to engage in fierce debate, but ultimately accept the decision of the sabha. King Janaka, a wise ruler, exemplified this by submitting to questioning during a great debate. Similarly, the Romans understood the importance of a clean voter list, electing a powerful censor to maintain its integrity. When we politicize the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls or the deletion and addition of voters, we ignore this lesson.

Athens, the mother of democracy, safeguarded its elections by using a lottery system overseen by the eponymous archon, ensuring that elections remained free from manipulation. The ECI, like the archon, should not decide who should win, but ensure the electoral process remains fair and transparent.

As doctors, we know that a single ion, sodium, is crucial to a body's function. When its level drops, the consequences can be catastrophic. Similarly, the ECI is the invisible force that holds our democracy together. We may disagree with its decisions, but we must never call for its destruction. Protect the referee, even as you question the decision, to ensure the game of democracy continues.