One facet of democracy is ensuring free and fair elections, which can be achieved through third-party observation. The idea of inviting foreign observers to monitor elections is not archaic. A slew of countries, particularly after the Second World War, have started to call international observers. 

As the world’s largest democracy heads towards the lok sabha election 2024, the Indian government has extended its invitation to 25 foreign parties to turn up in the country and act as the ringside observers of the election and report its legitimacy. 

Election observers fall into two categories: internal observers, comprising individuals from various political parties in India and polling booth officials, and international observers, who represent political parties from foreign nations. The list of 25 global parties includes representatives from Sri Lanka, Nepal, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, and Germany. Thirteen parties have confirmed their presence as observers for the 2024 Indian Election.

The list does not include any political parties from Pakistan and China, in light of the ongoing tensions between India and these nations. Even the Democrats and Republicans of the United States of America have been excluded from the list. According to BJP sources, the country is preoccupied with its own presidential elections.