It’s been a big election week: an extraordinary cliffhanger in the US and an equally intriguing contest in Bihar. As the seemingly interminable counting process unfolded in the US, the contrasts between the world’s oldest democracy — America — and the world’s largest democracy — India — came to the fore. India counts votes far quicker than the US and our Election Commission must be lauded for the gigantic poll exercise it pulls off every time. Yet while India scores on efficient electioneering, she can learn from some of America’s institutional strengths.
Take, for example, the culture of party-hopping in India. In state and general elections here, scores of legislators merrily and brazenly switch sides, even in two short years. India’s Read More
