Arindam Bagchi underlined that in any democracy, “argumentation is natural”.

United Nations/Geneva:

India on Monday mentioned that the “issues” raised by the UN’s top human rights official over its electoral process are “unwarranted” and do not reflect the reality of the world’s largest democracy, as New Delhi highlighted that many across the globe seek to learn from its electoral experience and aspire to emulate it.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Arindam Bagchi said Delhi has noted comments by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk about the country’s forthcoming general elections.

In his global update to the 55th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk voiced concern by “rising restrictions on the civic house – with human rights defenders, journalists and perceived critics focused – in addition to by hate speech and discrimination in opposition to minorities, particularly Muslims.”

“However, his concerns in this regard are unwarranted and do not reflect the reality of the largest democracy in the world,” Mr Bagchi mentioned.

Mr Bagchi underlined that in any democracy, “argumentation is natural. It is imperative that those in positions of authority do not allow their judgment to be clouded by propaganda.”

The Indian envoy added that India’s electoral process has been characterised by a high degree of people’s participation and full faith in the electoral mandate by all. “In fact, we are privileged that many across the world seek to learn from our experience and aspire to emulate it,” he said.

“We have no doubt that as in numerous occasions in the past, the Indian people will freely exercise their vote to choose a government that they believe can best give voice and flight to their aspirations,” Mr Bagchi mentioned.

In his international replace, Turk mentioned that in India, with an voters of 960 million folks, the approaching election shall be distinctive in scale. “I recognize the nation’s secular and democratic traditions and its nice variety,” he mentioned.

India will head to the polls for the 2024 common elections, anticipated to be held between April and May.

Turk, nonetheless, voiced concern about “increasing restrictions” on the civic house in addition to by hate speech and discrimination in opposition to minorities, particularly Muslims.

He emphasised that it’s significantly necessary in a pre-electoral context to make sure an open house that respects the significant participation of everybody.

He additionally welcomed the Supreme Court’s determination final month on marketing campaign finance schemes, upholding the proper to data and transparency.

The Supreme Court had dominated that electoral bonds violate residents’ proper to entry data held by the federal government and thus struck down the seven-year-old scheme.

Mr Bagchi additional mentioned that plurality, variety, inclusivity, and openness are on the core of India’s democratic polity and its constitutional values.

“These are backed by fiercely independent institutions, including a robust judiciary, that aims to protect the rights of all.” He said that India, as home to 1/6 of humanity, has led from the front with an enduring dedication to the promotion and protection of human rights for all. “In this endeavour, our strategy has been guided by our civilisation ethos that views the world as one household.”

He famous that extra not too long ago, this dedication was manifest in India’s response to the pandemic by aiding its mates and companions the world over, India’s catastrophe reduction efforts and help throughout crises in varied international locations, the event initiatives the world over and India’s G20 presidency final 12 months, “where we voiced particularly the concerns of the Global South.”

“Today when the world is riddled with conflicts and war, India has been a voice of reason consistently calling for dialogue and diplomacy. It is only when peace is given a chance that the most vulnerable can hope for a better future, where their basic needs are met, and their human rights are protected.”

Mr Bagchi mentioned that it’s on this spirit that India welcomes the “renewed focus on issues affecting us all, such as reform of the multilateral governance structures, including international financial architecture, enhancing technical assistance and capacity building, sustainable development and the need for peace.”

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