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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 March 2025

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Necessity of electoral reforms

Why in News:

The Election Commission of India’s (ECI) recent invitation to political parties for discussions on strengthening the electoral process underscores the critical need for continuous refinement of India’s democracy.

Necessity of electoral reforms

Introduction

  • The Election Commission of India (ECI) is actively engaged in discussions regarding reforms to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
  • This initiative comes amidst rising concerns regarding electoral roll manipulation, duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, and broader issues affecting the integrity of elections.
  • The imperative to address these challenges stems from the fundamental principle that free and fair elections are the bedrock of a robust democracy, a principle enshrined in the basic structure of the Indian Constitution.

Legal Framework and Evolution of the Electoral Process

  • Article 324 of the Constitution vests the ECI with the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament and State legislatures, including the preparation of electoral rolls.
  • The Representation of the People Act, 1950, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, provide the legal framework for electoral roll management.
  • Since the first general election in 1952, India’s electoral process has undergone significant transformations, moving from ballot boxes to ballot papers, and ultimately to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with 100% Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) verification since 2019.
  • This evolution reflects the nation’s commitment to modernizing and enhancing the efficiency and transparency of its electoral system.

Contemporary Challenges to Electoral Integrity

Despite these advancements, several issues persist, threatening the integrity of the electoral process. These include:

  • EVM and VVPAT Concerns:
    • Demands for a return to paper ballots and 100% VVPAT matching have been raised, though dismissed by the Supreme Court.
    • The current system of verifying five VVPATs per assembly segment has been questioned for its statistical significance.
    • The current system of 5% EVM micro controller verification is only accessible by the second or third place candidate, and after a written request.
  • Electoral Roll Manipulation:
    • Allegations of bogus voter inclusion and duplicate EPIC numbers across states, raising concerns about electoral roll integrity.
    • The ECI’s explanation regarding the transition to a centralized database on ERONET, while valid, highlights the need for robust mechanisms to prevent such discrepancies.
  • Campaign Process Deficiencies:
    • Instances of “Star Campaigners” using abusive language and engaging in divisive rhetoric.
    • Breaches of election expenditure limits by candidates and unregulated spending by political parties.
    • The increasing criminalization of politics, with a significant proportion of elected representatives facing criminal charges.

Necessary Reforms for a More Robust Electoral System

To address these challenges and strengthen the electoral process, the following reforms are crucial:

  • Enhancing EVM and VVPAT Verification:
    • Implement a scientifically determined sample size for VVPAT matching, considering regional variations.
    • Introduce “totaliser” machines to aggregate votes, enhancing voter anonymity at the booth level.
    • Ensure that the 5% EVM verification process is more accessible, and that clear procedures are in place to address any discovered issues.
  • Strengthening Electoral Roll Integrity:
    • Consider linking Aadhaar numbers with EPIC cards after addressing privacy concerns and engaging in thorough stakeholder consultations.
    • Implement robust mechanisms to eliminate duplicate voter IDs and ensure unique EPIC numbers across states.
  • Reforming the Campaign Process:
    • Empower the ECI to revoke “Star Campaigner” status for serious violations of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
    • Amend election expenditure laws to include financial assistance provided by political parties to candidates.
    • Establish a ceiling on political party spending during elections.
    • Strictly enforce the Supreme Court’s directives regarding the disclosure of criminal antecedents by candidates and political parties.
  • Increased Transparency and Accountability:
    • Increase the public access to electoral role data, while protecting privacy.
    • Increase the speed and transparency of the handling of electoral complaints.

The Way Forward

  • The ECI’s initiative to engage political parties in discussions on electoral reforms is a welcome step.
  • A collaborative approach, involving all stakeholders, is essential to address the challenges facing India’s electoral system.
  • By implementing the necessary reforms, India can further strengthen its democratic foundations and ensure that elections remain free, fair, and credible, reflecting the true will of the people.

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