Election System in India: Process, Reforms, and Challenges
TOPIC CLASSIFICATION
Subject: Indian Polity — Electoral System
Sub-topic: Election Commission, Electoral Process, Reforms, Political Parties
Mains GS Paper-II: Election Commission — powers, functions, electoral reforms, role of money and muscle power.
EXAMINER REASONING
Elections are the beating heart of Indian democracy — and a perennial UPSC favorite. Prelims tests: constitutional provisions (Art. 324–329), composition of EC, qualifications, Oath, and grounds for removal. Mains demands: critical evaluation of EVM-VVPAT reliability, electoral bonds, state funding of elections, criminalization of politics, and model code of conduct violations. The Dinesh Goswami and Law Commission 255th/273rd reports are exam staples.
Core Concept
Constitutional Framework (Part XV, Art. 324–329):
- Election Commission (Art. 324): Superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, President, and Vice-President
- Composition: Chief Election Commissioner + 2 Election Commissioners (added 1989, 1993)
- CEC removal: Same as Supreme Court Judge — impeachment on proved misbehaviour/incapacity
- EC removal: On recommendation of CEC
Electoral Process:
- Notification by EC → Filing of nominations → Scrutiny → Withdrawal → Campaign (Model Code of Conduct applies)
- Voting → Counting → Result declaration
- First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system for Lok Sabha and Assemblies
- Proportional Representation (PR) via Single Transferable Vote for President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha, Legislative Councils
Model Code of Conduct (MCC):
- Evolved by EC — not statutory
- Applies from announcement of election date to completion
- Covers: use of government machinery, content of speeches, advertising
- Enforceable through EC's powers under Art. 324 — not through courts
Electoral Reforms — Key Milestones:
| Reform | Year | Provision |
|---|---|---|
| Voting age reduced to 18 |