India sets new rules to ensure fair, free elections

India will implement a paper audit trail for votes cast using the electronic voting machine (left). Election staff at a district collector's office in Ahmedabad last Thursday monitoring TV programmes to ensure the election code of conduct is being fo
India will implement a paper audit trail for votes cast using the electronic voting machine (above). PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
India will implement a paper audit trail for votes cast using the electronic voting machine (left). Election staff at a district collector's office in Ahmedabad last Thursday monitoring TV programmes to ensure the election code of conduct is being fo
Election staff at a district collector's office in Ahmedabad last Thursday monitoring TV programmes to ensure the election code of conduct is being followed by politicians ahead of the country's general election. PHOTO: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS
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India is putting in place new measures as well as improved ones for next month's general election.

Officials said the measures are aimed at making the polls in the world's largest democracy more free, fair and transparent. But experts have cast doubts on the efficacy of some of them.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on March 17, 2019, with the headline India sets new rules to ensure fair, free elections. Subscribe