A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said the world body hopes that in India and any country that is having elections, people’s political and civil rights are protected and everyone is able to vote in a free and fair atmosphere.
Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the Secretary-General, emphasized the importance of upholding rights and ensuring a free and fair election process during a recent press briefing. The comments come amidst political unrest in India, particularly concerning the arrest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the freezing of the Opposition Congress Party’s bank accounts.
The response from the United Nations follows a similar sentiment expressed by the United States, which underscored the need for fair, transparent, and timely legal processes in the face of recent developments in India. Despite diplomatic exchanges between India and the US on the matter, the focus remains on upholding democratic values and ensuring a robust legal system.
India, on its part, has reaffirmed its commitment to independent democratic institutions and legal processes, rebuffing any external interference or imputation on its electoral and legal systems. The country asserts that its legal proceedings are driven solely by the rule of law, with an independent judiciary overseeing objective and timely outcomes.
The recent arrest of Kejriwal in a money laundering case has sparked debate and scrutiny both domestically and internationally. The case revolves around alleged corruption and money laundering related to the Delhi government’s excise policy, prompting a closer examination of legal procedures and due process.
As India prepares for its upcoming national elections, the spotlight remains on the unfolding political dynamics and the need to safeguard democratic principles. The statements from the UN and the US serve as a reminder of the global interest in upholding electoral integrity and ensuring a level playing field for all participants in the democratic process.
