Universal Adult Franchise: Every citizen above a certain age (18 years in India) has the right to vote.

Independent Election Management Body: An impartial body (like the ECI) to conduct, supervise, and control elections.

Absence of Coercion and Intimidation: Voters must be free from any pressure or threat while casting their ballot.

Transparency and Accountability: All stages of the electoral process, including voter registration, campaigning, polling, and counting, must be transparent.

Equal Opportunity: All political parties and candidates must have a fair chance to campaign and present their views.

Impartial Administration: Government machinery and officials must remain neutral during the election period.

Accurate Vote Counting: Votes must be counted accurately, and results declared truthfully.

Legal Recourse: Mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes and grievances.

Model Code of Conduct: A set of guidelines for political parties and candidates to ensure fair play during elections.

Role of Observers: Domestic and international observers often monitor elections to ensure their fairness.

Universal Adult Franchise: Every citizen above a certain age (18 years in India) has the right to vote.

Independent Election Management Body: An impartial body (like the ECI) to conduct, supervise, and control elections.

Absence of Coercion and Intimidation: Voters must be free from any pressure or threat while casting their ballot.

Transparency and Accountability: All stages of the electoral process, including voter registration, campaigning, polling, and counting, must be transparent.

Equal Opportunity: All political parties and candidates must have a fair chance to campaign and present their views.

Impartial Administration: Government machinery and officials must remain neutral during the election period.

Accurate Vote Counting: Votes must be counted accurately, and results declared truthfully.

Legal Recourse: Mechanisms for resolving electoral disputes and grievances.

Model Code of Conduct: A set of guidelines for political parties and candidates to ensure fair play during elections.

Role of Observers: Domestic and international observers often monitor elections to ensure their fairness.