Introduction
Endowed with the constitutional duty to ensure fair elections in India, the Election Commission of India (ECI) operates under the authority granted by Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. This empowers the ECI to oversee elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President.
To execute its mandate effectively, the ECI employs a range of strategies:
- Voter Registration and Education: The ECI maintains an accurate electoral roll and conducts voter education programs through the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative.
- Nomination Scrutiny: Rigorous scrutiny of candidate nominations ensures compliance with eligibility criteria, preventing the entry of tainted candidates.
- Model Code of Conduct (MCC): The ECI issues guidelines to create a level playing field, including restrictions on using public resources for campaigning and preventing voter intimidation.
- Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter-verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPATs): These technologies provide secure and reliable voting with an additional layer of verification.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: Various measures, including observers, surveillance cameras, and webcasting, are employed to monitor the electoral process.
- Security Arrangements: Deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and state police forces prevents voter intimidation and violence.
- Leveraging Technology: Adoption of technological solutions like the cVIGIL app enables citizens to report code violations.
Challenges Faced by ECI:
- Money and Muscle Power: Despite measures, candidates use financial and physical influence in elections, with 43% of MPs elected in 2019 having criminal charges, as per the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
- Social Media and Fake News: The ECI grapples with challenges posed by social media and fake news, which can impact voter opinion and incite violence.
- Logistical Challenges: Managing the logistical complexities of elections in a vast and diverse nation like India, especially in geographically challenging areas, requires intricate planning.
- Voter Apathy: Despite awareness campaigns, inconsistent voter turnout persists, with the 2019 general elections averaging around 67%.
- Independence and Autonomy: Questions surrounding the ECI’s independence, particularly in appointment processes, prompted recommendations for reforms in the 255th Law Commission Report.
Conclusion
To overcome these challenges, the ECI must continually adapt and innovate. Strengthening autonomy, leveraging technology judiciously, and collaborating with civil society and stakeholders are crucial. Implementing recommendations from committees and commissions can further enhance the ECI’s capacity to efficiently fulfill its constitutional mandate.
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