Photo credit: Rajesh Kumar Singh

The most populous democracy on the planet, India, just cast its 15th vote in general elections and the results are a victory to moderation and unity. Congress party, with standard bearer Rahul Gandhi leading the charge, fielded a large number of youth on its ticket and won 205 seats. Since Congress did not win the simple majority it needs in the 543 seat Lok Sabha, Congress will need to negotiate with other parties to form a government. News reports indicate that Congress is leaning towards partnering with a number of smaller parties rather than partner with Communists or Janata Party which are known for their anti-business agenda and divisive politics.

The Indian general election is historic in that all this is happening at a time when India is surrounded by countries that are totalitarian in their outlook. On its west is Pakistan which has had a checkered history in democracy, and is currently fighting for its survival as a democratic nation, and on the east is Burma which has been ruled by military for a number of years. To the North is China, and to the north east is Nepal, which has seen a maoist insurgency come to power and then implode.

So how is it that India continues its democratic march?

In my opinion it boils down to leadership. Ever since the birth of the nation in 1947, even in the most difficult days Indian leaders have insisted in adhering to the path of democracy. Four wars, one Emergency, and countless other incidents could have easily caused Indians to reconsider the value of democracy. Yet, although some times the country has faltered, each time the Indian leaders have put the power back into the hands of people and let them decide. So, 60 years after independence, India remains a beacon of hope for millions along its border. Each year, thousands and hundreds of thousands cross the border of India with Pakistan, Burma, Bangladesh, Nepal to come into India and enjoy fruits of a democratic state. This alone is a testimony to this powerful means of governance where the most illiterate and poor, and the richest and most highly educated citizens have the same right to vote.

Lets hope that the other nations in that neighborhood see the wisdom of following Indian example and developing the system of democracy. For as faulty as democracy seems to be, the world is yet to devise a better system of governance.

You can see some of the most stunning pictures of democracy in action on this Sacramento Bee Weblog