Credence of Electoral Processes – Restoring Trust from Legacy of Deficit in Kashmir

Contrary to belief, the Kashmir conflict is not rooted in the events during/ after 1987 elections only; analysis reveals deeper manifestation of trust deficit through the electoral history of the region. It is pertinent to understand historical complexities to chart the paths ahead and the challenges for the Indian election machinery, with a view to rebuilding faith in constitutional processes, ensuring adequate reparation to eroded democratic convictions. The authors have sought to divide the narrative in three parts; first, historical perspectives, onwards from the first elections conducted in Kashmir, with an overview of how deficit built itself up over the decades, even though largely remaining below the threshold of violent conflict; second, the spark that fuelled conflict with focus on the years associated with militancy in the region, up to contemporary developments; and third, challenges and solutions envisaged for enduring peace based on reconstruction and rejuvenation of credence for democracy. In doing so, the authors rely on primary research including phenomenology apart from a large body of references which chronicle the aesthetics of intrigue lent to the region by its inherent intricacies. In a marked departure from conventional thought, the authors have utilised their skills as socio-political archaeologists to suggest alternate mechanisms for equitable democratic process, which may well serve as the pathfinder to revival of electoral integrity, rehabilitation of certitude in democratic elections, and thus heal wounds in the conflict ridden region. Apropos, this paper finds its relevance in comprehensively studying the convoluted imbroglio and projecting positive measures for amelioration of the decades long strife through the conduct of transparent elections.