From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Election Commission of India; Issues related to voters;
Why in the News?
January 25 is the 75th anniversary of the Election Commission of India, celebrated as ‘National Voters Day’ to recognize its role in protecting democracy and ensuring fair elections in India.
What are the current challenges facing the ECI?
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is currently facing significant challenges that threaten its credibility and effectiveness:
- Electoral Roll Manipulation: Allegations of mass enrolment of dubious voters have emerged, particularly highlighted during the Maharashtra State elections, where the ECI enrolled 9.7 crore voters despite an estimated adult population of only 9.54 crore. This discrepancy raises concerns about potential government interference in electoral processes.
- Verification Issues: Questions regarding the verification of new voters have surfaced, especially with a reported 48 lakh new registrations occurring in just six months. The legitimacy of these voters and whether proper verification processes were followed remain unaddressed.
- Public Trust: The ECI’s perceived lack of transparency and responsiveness to these concerns has led to a decline in public trust. Critics argue that the commission has been dismissive of legitimate inquiries regarding electoral integrity, which undermines its authority.
How has the role of the Election Commission evolved over time?
- Established in 1950, the ECI was designed to ensure free and fair elections in India, independent from governmental influence.
- Founding leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar emphasized the importance of an autonomous body for maintaining electoral integrity.
- Technological Advancements: The ECI has adapted to technological changes by implementing electronic voting machines (EVMs) and online voter registration systems, aiming to streamline the electoral process and enhance voter participation.
- Voter Education Initiatives: The commission has increasingly focused on voter education and awareness campaigns, particularly through National Voters’ Day celebrations, which aim to engage young voters and promote democratic values.
What reforms are necessary to strengthen the EC’s authority and public trust?
To enhance its effectiveness and restore public confidence, several reforms are necessary:
- Biometric Verification: Implementing Aadhaar-based biometric verification for voter registration could help eliminate ghost voters and ensure that only eligible citizens are enrolled. This would strengthen the integrity of electoral rolls.
- Transparency Measures: The ECI should adopt greater transparency by publicly releasing data related to voter enrolment and verification processes. This would address concerns about electoral roll manipulation and build trust among citizens.
- Strengthening Legal Framework: Revising existing laws to provide the ECI with more robust powers to oversee and enforce electoral integrity could prevent interference from political entities and ensure fair elections.
Conclusion: The ECI should establish robust mechanisms for public scrutiny by releasing detailed voter enrolment and verification data, coupled with regular audits, to rebuild trust and ensure accountability.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. (UPSC IAS/2022)
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