Electoral Reforms in India – UGC NET Geography – Notes

Electoral reforms in India refer to the evolution and positive change in election processes in order to promote greater democracy, clean politics, ideal members of legislative chambers, and equal representation, among other things. Elections and electoral reforms are covered in Articles 324-329. Electoral reforms are essential to fulfill our forefathers’ dream, to realize our constitution’s goals, and to have a true democracy in text and spirit by conducting fair elections. 

Major Challenges In The Indian Electoral System

• Money Power: Electioneering is a costly process in any democratic government, but it is especially so in India.
• Money power has a negative impact on our electoral system, substantially undermining the functioning of periodic elections. It leads to widespread corruption and is a major contributor to the black money economy.
• Muscle Power: Pre-election intimidation, post-election victimization, most riggings of any kind, and silent and brutal booth capturing are all fruits of physical power.
• Criminalization of politics and criminalization of criminals, both of which are now freely practiced, are two sides of the same coin and are primarily responsible for the display of brute power at elections. Criminals are able to win elections for their benefactors through the use of violence.
• Misuse of Government Machinery: It is commonly said that the government in power at the time of an election abuses official machinery to help its party’s candidates win elections.
• Misuse of official machinery takes many forms, including the publication of advertising at the expense of the government and the public exchequer publiciing their accomplishments, disbursements from ministerial discretionary funds, and the use of government cars for canvassing.