The Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Institute's 2026 report states that India's Electoral Democracy Index has fallen to its lowest since 1975. V-Dem assesses democracy using indicators on elections, institutions, rights and freedoms. India's score has slid gradually since 2009, with falls in judicial accountability, corruption control, Election Management Body autonomy and impartial administration, along with academic freedom, cultural expression and conditions for journalists. The findings came as the UN CERD raised concerns over voter exclusion during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.