Citizens for Democracy will organise a mock parliament on the theme ‘Democracy vs Anarchy’ at the NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi on October 30. Scheduled to begin at 10.30 am, the event will bring together young participants from across the country to simulate parliamentary proceedings and debate key political and constitutional issues, including electoral transparency, institutional credibility and democratic dissent.
Mock parliament to debate EVMs, SIR and Election Commission
The participants will assume the roles of prominent political leaders from the ruling side and the Opposition, using a simulated parliamentary session to discuss recent political developments and challenges facing India’s democratic institutions. The agenda will cover the independence and credibility of constitutional bodies, parliamentary decorum, political accountability and transparency in the electoral process. Discussions will also address the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the role of the Election Commission and allegations of ‘vote theft’. Recent protests and the distinction between democratic dissent and anarchy are also expected to feature prominently in the proceedings.
Session to include Zero Hour, mock bill debate and voting
According to the event outline, the session will be divided into three segments. The 15-minute Zero Hour will feature questions from participants representing the Opposition on issues such as recent marches concerning the Election Commission and EVM security.
This will be followed by a 26-minute mock bill debate, during which the simulated government and Opposition will deliberate on constitutional safeguards and the maintenance of law and order during public protests.
The session will conclude with a five-minute voting exercise, in which participants will use a show of hands to decide whether to pass or reject the proposed motion.
Parallel mock parliament planned by INDIA bloc
The event comes amid a separate mock parliament planned by the INDIA bloc from 4 pm to 8 pm at the residence of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The Opposition’s session is expected to be presided over by former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and focus on allegations of electoral irregularities involving Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. While the Citizens for Democracy event is framed around the relationship between democratic dissent and public disorder, the INDIA bloc’s programme is expected to focus on concerns surrounding the electoral process and the Election Commission. Media reports indicate that no serving BJP leaders or Members of Parliament are expected to participate in the event at the NDMC Convention Centre.