Why in the News?

Recently, the Election Commission (EC) has invited political parties for discussions on enhancing the electoral process.

What are the key legal provisions governing the electoral process in India?

Article 324 of the Constitution – Grants the Election Commission (EC) the power of superintendence, direction, and control over elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President.
Representation of the People Act, 1950 – Governs the preparation of electoral rolls and the allocation of seats in Parliament and State Legislatures.
Representation of the People Act, 1951 – Regulates the actual conduct of elections, including provisions on qualifications, disqualifications, election offenses, and corrupt practices.
Registration of Electors Rules, 1960 – Provides rules for the registration of voters, corrections in electoral rolls, and the issuance of Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPIC).
Model Code of Conduct (MCC) – A set of guidelines issued by the EC to regulate political parties and candidates, ensuring free and fair elections, even though it lacks statutory backing.

How has the voting process evolved in India since the first general elections in 1952?

Ballot Box System (1952-1957) – In the first two general elections (1952, 1957), separate ballot boxes were used for each candidate, where voters dropped blank ballot papers into the box of their chosen candidate.
Printed Ballot Papers (1962 Onwards) – From the third general election (1962), a single ballot paper was introduced with the names and symbols of all candidates, simplifying the voting process. Example: Instead of multiple boxes, voters marked their choice on a single sheet and dropped it in a common ballot box.
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) (2004 Onwards) – Since the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, EVMs replaced paper ballots in all constituencies, improving efficiency and reducing errors.
Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) (2019 Onwards) – From the 2019 general elections, EVMs were backed by 100% VVPAT slips, allowing voters to verify their vote on a printed slip for a few seconds before it was stored in a sealed box. Example: A voter pressing a button on the EVM saw a printed slip confirming their vote for Candidate X before it was automatically stored.
Remote Voting and Digital Advancements (Proposed) – The Election Commission is exploring remote voting options for migrant workers and overseas Indians, along with blockchain-based voting mechanisms. Example: The EC has proposed a multi-constituency remote voting machine (RVM) to allow migrant workers to vote from different locations.

Why are electoral reforms necessary?

Addressing Electoral Roll Discrepancies: The ECI aims to improve the accuracy and transparency of electoral rolls, especially amid allegations of tampering in recent elections. For example, opposition parties have raised concerns over duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, demanding discussions in Parliament regarding discrepancies in voters’ lists.
Enhancing Gender Representation: The ECI seeks feedback on measures to encourage greater representation of women in political parties and candidate selection processes. This aligns with international practices and aims to make elections more inclusive.
Regulating Election Expenditure: Discussions will focus on expenditure ceilings for elections and ensuring timely submission of audited financial reports by political parties. These measures are intended to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign financing.
Improving Voting Accessibility: The ECI plans to explore alternative voting methods for domestic migrants, absentee voters, and persons with disabilities. This includes feedback on schemes like the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) to ensure inclusive participation.
Strengthening Legal Frameworks for Campaign Silence Periods: To regulate election campaigns, the ECI will discuss extending restrictions to print media and online canvassing during the 48-hour silence period before polling ends, addressing concerns about social media misuse.

What is the importance of “One Nation, One Election” in the context of electoral reforms?

Enhanced Governance and Policy Continuity – Simultaneous elections reduce the frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), allowing governments to focus on long-term policy implementation without periodic electoral disruptions. Example: If Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections are held together, policymaking won’t be interrupted multiple times due to MCC restrictions.
Cost and Resource Efficiency – Conducting elections at different times leads to repeated expenditure on logistics, security, and manpower. A unified election cycle reduces financial and administrative burdens. Example: The 2019 Lok Sabha elections cost around ₹60,000 crore; merging state and local elections could significantly cut costs.
Increased Voter Turnout and Engagement – Holding elections simultaneously can improve voter participation by reducing election fatigue and mobilization efforts. Example: Countries like Sweden and South Africa conduct national and regional elections together, leading to streamlined voter engagement and participation.

Way forward:

Comprehensive Electoral Reforms – Strengthen legal provisions for campaign financing, voting accessibility, and electoral roll management, ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and fair representation in elections.
Leveraging Technology for Electoral Integrity – Implement secure digital voting mechanisms like blockchain-based voting and remote voting for migrant workers while enhancing VVPAT verification to boost voter confidence.

Mains PYQ:

Q Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation-one election” principle. (UPSC IAS/2024)

Reason: This question directly asks about the necessity of electoral reforms which highlights several areas needing reform, such as allegations of manipulation of electoral rolls, issues with duplicate EPIC numbers, concerns about EVM and VVPAT processes, misuse of “Star Campaigner” status, exceeding election expenditure limits, and criminalization of politics.

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