Gearing up for the mammoth exercise of conducting the world’s biggest elections, the Election Commission of India has themed its Republic Day tableau on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The tableau titled ‘India: Mother of Democracy’ depicts the conduct of free, fair, inclusive, accessible and participatory elections in the country.

“The front of the tableau has a representation of an inked finger pressing a button and casting a vote on an electronic voting machine (EVM). This depiction emphasizes that the ECI is an advocate of an inclusive democracy, empowering every citizen regardless of their gender, caste, religion or background,” the polling body said.

The tableau also depicts the magnitude of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 – 96 crore voters will cast their votes across 12 lakh polling stations, and around 1.5 crore employees will run the election machine.

“The (tableaus) on the sides of the trailer reflect the ease of voting whereby the Commission ensures minimum facilities at all polling stations,” the ECI said.

The polling body has launched the home voting facility especially for eligible people with disabilities (PWD) and voters aged 80 years and above.

It further added, “Guided by the principle of ‘There’s nothing like voting, I definitely vote’, the Election Commission ensures that every voter has an enjoyable voting experience immersed in the election festivities, showcased in the trailer has been shown at the polling station.”

Various sections of the society are shown standing in a queue, showcasing the cultural diversity of the country.

“The back side of the tableau reflects ECI’s endeavor towards ‘No Voter Left Behind’ wherein we overcome extreme physical challenges, be it the interior villages of Left Wing Extremism affected areas, dry or cold desert areas, snow Have peaks and coastal areas covered with. …depicting the country’s geographical diversity,” it added.

The 75th Republic Day Parade will be held on the duty path on Friday, January 26. The parade will be women-centric with the theme ‘Developed India’ and ‘India-Mother of Democracy’.

Women marching contingents will be a major part of the parade, with most of the tableaux from States/Union Territories (UTs) and Central Ministries/Organizations showcasing the country’s rich cultural diversity, unity and progress.

The themes have been selected in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s views that India is truly the mother of democracy.

For the first time, the parade will be started by 100 women artistes playing Indian musical instruments. French President Emmanuel Macron will be the chief guest at this year’s Republic Day parade.