External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday asserted that the electronic voting machines are testament to India’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and the sanctity of the democratic process, amid the opposition raising fingers at their credibility.

“This shift not only aligns with the principles of modern democracy but paves the way for greater civic engagement, especially among the youth who will inherit the responsibilities of our democratic legacy,” Jaishankar said while delivering the National Statement virtually on behalf of the Indian government at the third Edition of the Summit for Democracy organised by South Korea in Seoul.

The Summit for Democracy, an initiative of US President Joe Biden, is being hosted by South Korea this year from March 18-20 and brings together government officials, NGOs and civil society members.

Jaishankar said the theme “Democracy for Future Generations” resonates not just within the borders of India but echoes across the globe.

The External Affairs Minister said India’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and inclusive elections underscores the resilience and adaptability of its democratic machinery, and illustrates that even amidst complexity, the voice of every citizen matters.

He said the goal is to leave no one behind and let everyone fully participate in the electoral process.

“While indeed this is a celebration of democracy, the mammoth exercise involves navigating through urban sprawls, remote villages and challenging geographical terrains, incorporating measures to enable our senior citizens and differently abled persons to participate fully in the electoral process, with the singular goal of leaving no one behind,” he said.

The EAM further said by extending the right to vote to a younger demographic beginning at the age of 18, India acknowledges that the future belongs to the youth, and their voices should be integral to any democratic conversation.

He said the upcoming 18th Lok Sabha polls is the largest electoral exercise that the planet has ever witnessed.

“With 968 million registered voters, 15 million election officials, and 1.2 million polling booths, the upcoming 18th edition of India’s national elections is the largest electoral logistics exercise that this planet has ever witnessed,” Jaishankar said.

Underscoring the importance of a transparent democratic process, the External Affairs Minister said the introduction of electronic voting machines stands testament to the country’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and the sanctity of the democratic process.

“The Indian experience serves as a testament to the transformative power of democracy, illustrating how it can empower communities, dismantle barriers, help countries… and pave the way for a better tomorrow,” the EAM said as he highlighted India’s landing on the moon and global assistance with Covid vaccines.

Calling India a “mother of Democracy”, EAM Jaishankar further said the nation will continue to share its development experience with the world “in the spirit of sabka saath sabka vikas (development for all)”.

He further noted that today, India has 1.4 million elected women representatives, marking the largest cohort of elected women representatives at the grassroots level in any part of the world.

“Our recent decision to extend the 33 per cent reservation for women in both Parliament and state legislatures recognizes the fundamental principle that women’s voices are indispensable in shaping the nation’s destiny,” he said.

“Let us, as responsible citizens and countries, strive to pass on the torch of democracy burning brightly to the generations that will inherit the legacy we build today,” Jaishankar said.