Banerjee’s study (2011) contributes to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) by demonstrating how elections in India foster civic engagement, social cohesion, and trust in democratic processes, despite often seeing politicians as corrupt. Drawing on her ethnographic observations, she illustrates how the organization of the Indian elections, including technologies like electronic voting machines or the practice to mark the finger of everyone who voted, contribute to the feeling of elections as “communitas”. Her study is insightful in order to promote democratic processes, strengthening citizenship and advance good governance
16.7: Highlights that although politicians are seen as corrupt and venal, there is no voter apathy but voting alacrity. Indian people see voting as a communal duty. An impoartant part therein is the special character of elections in India, creating this form of communitas where social hierarchies are suspended and all citizens participate. elections "as aestetic and ritual moments that allow for the inversion of the rules of normal social life" (p. 96)
This suggests that well-managed electoral systems can counteract disillusionment and foster hope in institutional renewal