From Pandemic Polls To Democratic Celebration: What Has Changed Since The 2021 Elections

When voters in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry went to the polls in 2021, the elections unfolded under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Campaigns were restricted, health protocols were strict and polling was conducted amid fears of infection. Five years later, the same states are once again heading to elections-this time in a dramatically different atmosphere, with the process expected to resemble a full-scale celebration of democracy.

In 2021, the elections were among the largest exercises conducted during the pandemic. West Bengal alone voted in eight phases, one of the most extended electoral schedules in recent history. The state had over 7.34 crore registered voters, with around 5.99 crore votes cast, translating to a turnout of about 82.3 percent across 294 constituencies.

Other states also witnessed significant participation despite the pandemic environment. Tamil Nadu's 234-seat assembly, Kerala's 140 seats, Assam's 126 seats, and the 30-member Puducherry assembly saw voters turning out in large numbers even as mask mandates, sanitisation protocols and social distancing defined the electoral process.

Campaigning during the pandemic was sharply curtailed. Political rallies were restricted, digital outreach became central to campaigning, and polling stations had to enforce temperature checks, sanitisation and distancing norms. The Election Commission had also increased the number of polling stations to prevent crowding.

The scenario in 2026, however, marks a significant shift. With the pandemic no longer shaping electoral logistics, the focus has moved to technology, transparency and voter convenience. Initiatives such as 100% webcasting of polling booths, digital integration through the ECINET app, and enhanced accessibility for senior citizens and PwDs are now central to election management.

The contrast is striking. What was once an election conducted under public health constraints is now poised to become a vibrant democratic festival, with millions of voters expected to participate freely-turning polling day once again into a celebration of India's electoral democracy.