Elections in India are considered democratic elections because of the following reasons:-

Elections in India: A Democratic Process

India is the largest democracy in the world, and its elections play a crucial role in determining the country's leadership and shaping its future. The democratic nature of elections in India can be attributed to several key factors.

Universal Adult Suffrage:
- India grants the right to vote to all citizens above the age of 18, irrespective of their caste, creed, gender, or religion.
- This ensures that every eligible citizen has an equal opportunity to participate in the electoral process, promoting inclusivity and representation.

Free and Fair Elections:
- Elections in India are conducted by an independent Election Commission, which ensures the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
- The Election Commission is responsible for managing the entire election cycle, including voter registration, candidate nominations, election campaigning, and vote counting.
- It enforces a strict code of conduct to prevent malpractices like booth capturing, rigging, bribing voters, and other forms of electoral fraud.

Multi-Party System:
- India has a vibrant multi-party system where numerous political parties compete for seats in the Parliament and state legislatures.
- This allows for a diverse range of voices and opinions to be represented, ensuring that no single party dominates the political landscape.
- The existence of multiple parties fosters healthy competition and provides voters with a wider choice of candidates with varying ideologies and agendas.

Periodic Elections:
- Elections in India are held at regular intervals, ensuring that citizens have the opportunity to express their views and hold their elected representatives accountable.
- General elections to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of Parliament) are held every five years, while state legislative assembly elections occur periodically.
- The frequent occurrence of elections prevents the concentration of power and provides the electorate with the ability to endorse or reject the policies and performance of the ruling government.

Secret Ballot:
- In India, voting is conducted through a secret ballot system, which ensures the privacy and integrity of the voter's choice.
- This allows individuals to vote freely without fear of intimidation or coercion, promoting the principle of individual autonomy and protecting against undue influence.

Conclusion:
The democratic nature of elections in India is rooted in principles such as universal suffrage, free and fair elections, a multi-party system, periodic elections, and the secret ballot.
These features ensure the active participation of citizens, representation of diverse voices, and accountability of elected representatives, making the electoral process in India a cornerstone of its vibrant democracy.