Discussion of Reforms in Electoral System in India

Abstract

Recently, after the elections in five states (Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Manipur, Goa, Jharkhand), questions were raised about the functioning of the Election Commission. When the BJP won a massive majority in Uttar Pradesh, opposition parties alleged that there was rigging in the election process. Generally, after election results, news of accusations and counter-accusations becomes common. Notably, Article 324(1) of the Constitution entrusts the Election Commission with the preparation of electoral rolls and the overall supervision, direction, and control of the entire election process for Parliament, State Legislative Assemblies, as well as for the offices of President and Vice President.

In a vast country like India, with diverse perspectives, conducting elections peacefully and without any discrimination is not a simple task. In this context, if the role of the Election Commission in successfully conducting elections across the country for the past 65 years is appreciated, it would not be an exaggeration. For this reason, since independence, the Election Commission has continually taken various reformative steps to enhance its efficiency, including integrating information technology into the election process.