The Backbone of Indian Democracy: The Election Commission’s Functionality

15 Oct The Backbone of Indian Democracy: The Election Commission’s Functionality

SYLLABUS MAPPING:

GS-2- Polity-The Backbone of Indian Democracy: The Election Commission’s Functionality

FOR PRELIMS

Discuss the key functions of the Election Commission of India and explain its significance in maintaining the integrity of the electoral process in the country.

FOR MAINS:

Analyze the functions and powers of the Election Commission of India. How does it contribute to upholding the principles of free and fair elections in a diverse democracy like India?

Why In the News?

The Election Commission of India is expected to announce the polling schedule for certain state assembly elections.

Key Facts about the Election Commission of India (ECI)

1. Establishment:
Founded on 25th January 1950.
Celebrated as National Voters’ Day.
2. Authority:
Autonomous constitutional body responsible for administering elections in India.
Based in New Delhi.
3. Elections Managed:
Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies.
Offices of the President and Vice President.
4. Not Responsible For:
Elections to panchayats and municipalities (handled by State Election Commissions).
5. Constitutional Provisions:
Governed by Part XV (Articles 324-329) of the Constitution.
Key Articles:
Article 324: Superintendence and control of elections.
Article 325: Non-discrimination in electoral rolls.
Article 326: Adult suffrage for elections.
Article 329: Courts cannot interfere in electoral matters.
6. Structure:
Originally a single-member body; now a multi-member body post-1989 amendment.
Currently consists of:
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
Two Election Commissioners (ECs)
7. Appointment & Tenure:
Appointed by the President of India under the CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023.
Fixed tenure of six years or until age 65, whichever comes first.
Salary equivalent to that of a Supreme Court Judge.
8. Removal Process:
CEC can be removed via a process similar to that of a Supreme Court judge.
ECs can be removed on the recommendation of the CEC.
9. Legal Framework:
Representation of the People Act, 1950 & 1951: These Acts lay down the framework for the conduct of elections and the rights of voters.
Election Symbols (Reservation and Allotment) Order, 1968: Governs the allotment of symbols to political parties and candidates.

Role of ECI in Strengthening Democracy in India:

1. Conducting Free and Fair Elections
Elections Held: Over 1,200 elections conducted since its establishment in 1950, including Lok Sabha (House of the People) and State Assembly elections.
Turnout Rates: Voter turnout has averaged around 66% in recent Lok Sabha elections, reflecting robust engagement.
2. Voter Empowerment
Electoral Awareness: Conducted campaigns like “Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation” (SVEEP) to enhance voter awareness.
Registered Voters: As of 2024, India has over 1.3 billion registered voters, indicating increased electoral participation.
3. Inclusivity Initiatives
Special Programs: Initiatives like “Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao” encourage women’s participation, contributing to a more than 50% increase in female voter registration since 2014.
Accessible Voting: Introduced facilities for persons with disabilities, resulting in a 20% increase in their voter turnout.
4. Technological Integration
EVM Usage: Over 1.5 million EVMs used in elections, enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Online Services: 2024 saw the introduction of online voter registration, making the process quicker for millions.
5. Campaign Expenditure Monitoring
Expenditure Limits: Imposed limits on campaign spending (e.g., ₹70 lakhs for Lok Sabha candidates), reducing the influence of money in politics.
Transparency Measures: Candidates are required to declare expenses, with around 90% compliance observed in recent elections.
5. Civic Engagement
Awareness Programs: Engaged over 100 million citizens through outreach initiatives in the last election cycle.
Feedback Mechanisms: Implemented online platforms for voter grievances, ensuring accountability.
6. Adhering to International Standards
Global Best Practices: ECI has been recognized by international bodies for adherence to democratic norms, improving India’s standing in global democracy indices.
Collaborative Learning: Engages with electoral bodies from over 30 countries, sharing insights and practices.

Issues causing hindrances in the working of ECI:

1. Political Pressure: The ECI often encounters pressure from political parties, which can compromise its autonomy and decision-making processes.
2. Administrative Challenges: Coordination with various state and central agencies can be cumbersome, leading to delays and inefficiencies in election management.
3. Lack of Resources: Inadequate funding and staffing can impede the ECI’s ability to conduct comprehensive voter education and outreach programs.
4. Technological Issues: While technology has improved electoral processes, challenges such as cybersecurity threats to EVMs and data privacy concerns can undermine public confidence.
5. Electoral Malpractices: Issues like vote-buying, intimidation, and misinformation campaigns continue to plague elections, complicating the ECI’s efforts to ensure integrity.
6. Judicial Interference: Frequent legal challenges and court interventions can disrupt the election process and create uncertainties.
7. Voter Apathy: Despite efforts to engage voters, disinterest and apathy among certain demographics can limit participation, affecting the overall electoral landscape.
8. Regional Disparities: Varying levels of political awareness and infrastructure across states can lead to uneven electoral practices and challenges in implementing uniform policies.
9. Social Media Influence: The rise of social media has facilitated the spread of misinformation, making it difficult for the ECI to manage and counter false narratives effectively.

Way forward:

1. Strengthening Autonomy: Ensure the ECI operates independently, free from political interference, by enshrining its autonomy in law.
2. Enhancing Resources: Allocate adequate funding and human resources to the ECI for effective election management, voter education, and outreach initiatives.
3. Investing in Technology: Upgrade technological infrastructure, including secure voting systems and robust cybersecurity measures, to safeguard electoral processes.
4. Voter Awareness Campaigns: Implement comprehensive and targeted voter education campaigns to engage underrepresented demographics and combat apathy.
5. Tackling Misinformation: Develop a proactive strategy to monitor and counter misinformation on social media platforms, possibly in collaboration with tech companies.
6. Legal Reforms: Introduce clearer electoral laws, including stricter regulations on political financing, to enhance transparency and accountability.
7. Capacity Building: Conduct training programs for ECI officials and staff to improve their skills in managing elections effectively and responding to challenges.
8. Regional Focus: Tailor strategies to address regional disparities, ensuring that electoral processes are consistent and fair across all states.
9. Strengthening Monitoring Mechanisms: Enhance monitoring of election campaigns and expenditures to prevent malpractices and ensure compliance with regulations.

Conclusion:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is vital for maintaining the integrity of the country’s democratic process, having successfully conducted over 1,200 elections since its inception in 1950. While it plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections, the ECI faces significant challenges, including political pressure, misinformation, and resource limitations. To enhance its effectiveness, the ECI must strengthen its autonomy, invest in technology, and implement comprehensive voter awareness campaigns.

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Q. Consider the following statements:
1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. The Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 3 only

Answer: D

Ritik singh