Title: "The Imperative of Electoral Reforms for Strengthening Indian Democracy"
Introduction:
India's hard-fought freedom struggle paved the way for universal suffrage, granting every citizen above the age of 18 the right to vote. Voting is not only a constitutional right but also a powerful tool for bringing about change in the country. However, to ensure the true spirit of democracy, it is essential to address the prevalence of electoral malpractices. This essay explores the significance of voting, the challenges posed by electoral malpractices, and the imperative need for electoral reforms in India.
The Power of Voting:
Voting embodies the vision of India's freedom fighters, providing citizens with a medium to express their opinions and shape the nation's priorities by electing suitable candidates. While election outcomes may be unpredictable, abstaining from voting relinquishes the opportunity to be heard and to contribute to the selection of the best candidate. Voting is both a right and a responsibility, forming the foundation of Indian democracy and demanding careful consideration from every individual.
Honoring the Founding Fathers' Vision:
The right to vote is a privilege bestowed upon citizens by the founding fathers of India's Constitution. By exercising their right to vote, citizens demonstrate their respect for the country's history. Failing to cast a vote increases the likelihood of unsuitable candidates winning elections, resulting in poor governance for the entire electorate.
Electoral Malpractices:
Electoral malpractices, encompassing electoral fraud, manipulation, and rigging, undermine the integrity of the electoral process. Money power, muscle power, and media manipulation are common tactics employed to influence elections. Political parties often prioritize candidates with substantial financial contributions, neglecting their personal qualities. Unethical practices such as purchasing votes, renting crowds, and disregarding public morality plague the electoral landscape.
The Challenge of Muscle Power:
The use of muscle power in candidate selection and party influence poses a significant challenge to free and fair elections. Coercive tactics include demanding exorbitant sums of money from candidates, banning nomination filings, election campaigns, and even dictating voters' choices. The prevalence of muscle power leads to election-related violence and compromises political ethics, as some parties openly associate with banned armed groups.
Media Influence:
Media, as a neutral entity in a democratic society, plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion. However, media outlets sometimes contribute to electoral malpractices by exhibiting favoritism, misquoting facts, and publishing misleading news and views. The media's role in reporting and projecting candidates and parties directly impacts voting patterns and necessitates its responsible and unbiased participation.
Other Electoral Malpractices:
Additional malpractices include the distribution of freebies, booth capturing, proxy voting, unfair election practices, hate speeches, and vote bank politics. These practices undermine the integrity of elections and erode the democratic fabric of the nation.
The Urgency for Electoral Reforms:
The Election Commission of India has consistently highlighted the need for electoral reforms to eliminate obstacles to free and fair polls. Key aspects of electoral reforms include curbing money and muscle power, ensuring transparency in candidate backgrounds, severing ties between business and politics, safeguarding voter secrecy, impartial recognition of political parties, addressing illiteracy-related challenges, unbiased media coverage, effective implementation of the model code of conduct, and streamlining electoral processes.
Existing Measures and Proposed Reforms:
India already has legislation, such as the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Election Code of Conduct, to combat electoral malpractices. Political party funding reforms have been enacted through changes in Company Laws, Money Bills, and Income Tax Laws. The Anti-Defection Law, passed in 1985, aims to deter political defections. The Supreme Court has also mandated candidates to disclose their criminal records. Further reforms proposed include state funding of political
