| NEED FOR ELECTORAL REFORMS IN INDIA
CONCEPT NOTE
1. India is the most populous democratic republic in the world. It can boast of the longest written Constitution which has arguably the best features & characteristics. The political representatives of the people, ie, Members of Parliament (MPs) in Lok Sabha at the Centre & the Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) in the States are elected through adult franchise, conducted by an independent Election Commission. The normal tenure of the Lok Sabha & Legislative Assemblies is five years unless there are constitutional crises.
2. A large number of issues and difficulties have been experienced in India, affecting not only the electoral process adversely but also good governance. These subversive ingredients in existing democratic practices need urgent correction to prevent derailment of a strong democracy enshrined in the Constitution. The main issues which demand electoral reforms are:-
(a) Rampant use of money & muscle power to influence voters during elections. Unethical incentives as well as use of coercion, intimidation & violence by political parties to win elections.
(b) Nexus between criminals and politicians is taking a toll on our democracy. Many MPs & MLAs have serious criminal records.Criminals are being patronized by Political parties across the board subverting the electoral practices to grab power.
(c) Despite introduction of EVMs, rigging of votes is a common phenomenon in elections.
(d) Use of money power for horse-trading of elected representatives to dislodge governments & forming new ones are quite common.
(e) Elections have turned out to be very expensive, an estimated ₹ 30,000 crores were spent during 2014 general elections.The funding of political parties using black money is a common phenomenon.
(f) The Nation faces continuous elections between Union & States due to various reasons.The proposal ‘One Nation One Election’ need consideration.
3. To cleanse & improve the electoral & political process many reforms have been introduced from time to time. Representation of the People Act (RPA)1951 provided the first set of rules, later amended to reflect the changing environment. These include ‘Anti-Defection Law’, introduction of EVMs, strict ‘Code of Conduct’ for political parties & candidates, NOTA option for electorates etc. Several Committees like Vohra, Santhanam, Wanchooetc have in the past dealt with electoral reforms.
4. However, despite various electoral reforms enacted, the ground realities have not changed adequately to inspire confidence in the electorates. The necessity for a wholesome review of problem areas cannot be overemphasized for initiation of effective electoral reforms. The moot question would be as to how these reforms should be enacted & implemented to further strengthen the democratic roots in India.
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