India rightly takes pride in its electoral system — one that is broadly fair, inclusive, and efficient — and the smooth transfer of power that follows this exercise. Yet, not very long-ago, elections in several parts of the country were marred by malpractice, intimidation, booth capturing, and political killings. In many regions, party cadre dominance over institutions, bullying by caste militias, violence as a tool of political competition, and electoral violence were chronic. During the 1990s, eastern India in particular was the epicentre of this troubling phenomenon. Over the past three decades, however, much has changed. Undivided Bihar once stood at the heart of this dysfunction. Elections in the state were synonymous with booth capturing, large-scale repolling, and violent intimidation of voters. But improved governance since 2005 has made a decisive difference.…