Who Will Watch the Watchdogs?
Modern democracies depend on rules, procedures and independent institutions to protect people’s rights and freedoms. However, a system that appears fair on the surface may not always protect democratic values in practice. Across the world, authoritarianism does not always emerge through sudden events such as military coups or the removal of elected governments. In many cases, it develops gradually when institutions designed to protect democracy become weaker.
Democracy requires more than regular elections and written laws. It also depends on institutions that follow established procedures, make decisions fairly and remain free from political pressure. When powerful individuals or groups begin making important decisions without following proper processes, the systems designed to prevent the misuse of power can lose their effectiveness.
Such changes can happen slowly, making them difficult to recognise at first. Rules may continue to exist on paper, but their purpose becomes weaker if those responsible for enforcing them do not act independently. Over time, this can reduce public trust in democratic institutions and make it harder to hold those in power accountable.
The importance of institutional independence was highlighted by Supreme Court Justice Dipankar Datta, who stressed that independence alone is not enough; people must also have confidence that an institution is independent. This means that public trust depends not only on the decisions an institution makes but also on whether its actions appear fair, transparent and free from outside influence.
These concerns have become particularly important in discussions about the Election Commission of India (ECI). The commission plays a central role in conducting elections, enforcing election rules and ensuring that the democratic process remains fair. Its ability to function independently is essential because elections allow citizens to choose their representatives and hold governments accountable.
Recent reports and criticism have raised questions about the commission’s independence and its ability to make decisions without political influence. Concerns about its functioning have also renewed debate over whether existing safeguards are strong enough to protect the fairness of elections. Such concerns are significant because public confidence in the electoral process is essential for a healthy democracy.
If an institution responsible for overseeing elections is perceived as favouring one political side, public trust can suffer even when its formal powers remain unchanged. For this reason, transparency, consistent enforcement of rules and accountability are important in maintaining confidence in the electoral system. Institutions must not only act independently but also demonstrate that independence through their decisions and conduct.
The wider issue extends beyond elections. Courts, law enforcement agencies, regulatory bodies and other public institutions all have important roles in preventing the concentration and misuse of power. When these institutions fail to carry out their responsibilities effectively, democratic checks and balances can become weaker.
Protecting democracy therefore requires continuous attention to how public institutions operate. Clear procedures, independent decision-making, public scrutiny and effective accountability can help ensure that those in power remain answerable to the people.
Ultimately, democracy cannot be protected by laws and procedures alone. It also requires institutions that follow those rules in practice and citizens who can trust that they are doing so. When institutional independence weakens, the challenge is not simply to preserve democratic structures but to ensure that they continue to serve their intended purpose: protecting freedom, fairness and the public interest.