Electoral Reforms in India

Aspect

Impact

Transparency

Real-time tracking of voter services and election logistics

Accessibility

Reduced voter travel distances and improved booth density

Efficiency

Integration removes redundancy in apps/web portals

Electoral Roll Integrity

Automated death data updates improve voter list hygiene

Stakeholder Trust

Wider consultations address concerns of political parties

Election Commission of India (ECI)

1. Genesis and Background

• Established on: 25th January 1950 (celebrated as National Voters’ Day since 2011).
• Nature: Permanent, independent Constitutional body responsible for free and fair elections in India.
• Constitutional Provisions: Enshrined under Part XV of the Indian Constitution (Articles 324 to 329).

2. Functions and Jurisdiction

• Under Article 324, the ECI is entrusted with Superintendence, direction, and control of the entire process of elections to:
  • Lok Sabha
  • Rajya Sabha
  • State Legislative Assemblies and Councils
  • Office of the President and Vice-President of India

3. Composition

• Current Composition:
  • 1 Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)
  • 2 Election Commissioners (ECs)
• Evolution:
  • Until 1989: Only CEC.
  • October 1989: Two ECs appointed temporarily.
  • Since 1993: A multi-member commission with CEC + 2 ECs has been made permanent.

4. Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023

This Act repealed the 1991 Act and introduced key reforms in appointment, tenure, and security of office for CEC and ECs.

a. Appointment Process (New System Introduced in 2023)

• Search Committee
  • Headed by: Minister of Law and Justice
  • Members: 2 officers of rank Secretary or above
  • Function: Shortlist 5 eligible candidates for the selection panel.
• Selection Committee
  • Chairperson: Prime Minister
  • Members: Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and One Union Cabinet Minister nominated by PM
• Function: Recommends final candidate(s) to the President of India for appointment.

b. Qualifications

• Must be serving or retired officers equivalent to Secretary to the Government of India.
• Must possess proven integrity and experience in managing and conducting elections.

c. Tenure and Reappointment

• Tenure: 6 years or until 65 years of age, whichever is earlier.
• No reappointment after completion of term.
• If an EC is elevated to CEC, the combined tenure must not exceed 6 years

d. Salary and Status

• Salary & allowances: Equal to that of a Judge of the Supreme Court of India.

e. Resignation and Removal

• Resignation: By writing to the President.
• Removal:
  • CEC: Same manner and grounds as a Supreme Court Judge (i.e., via impeachment under Article 124(4)).
  • ECs: Cannot be removed except on recommendation of the CEC.

PYQ:

1. The Election Commission of India is a creation of the Constitution. Article 324 says the superintendence, direction, and control of all elections to Parliament, the State legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President shall be vested in the ECI. Critically examine.  (2021)
2. To enhance the quality of democracy in India, the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful?   (2017)