We need limits on election campaign spending

Context:

In light of escalating concerns over government spending on advertisements before elections, particularly in the wake of the "India Shining" campaign controversy during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, the issue of election expenditure has garnered attention.

Limits on Spending:

• Misuse of public funds: Governments' expenditure on advertisements has risen significantly in recent years, particularly before elections, leading to concerns about the misuse of public funds.
• Skewing the level playing field: Despite guidelines set by the Supreme Court in 2015 and 2016 to regulate government advertisements, ruling governments still enjoy an advantage in disseminating information.
• Questionable process: The breach of election expenditure limits by political candidates and parties, coupled with the lack of transparency in funding sources, raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process and the influence of money power.

Towards Electoral Reforms:

• Suggestions for electoral reforms include banning government advertisements six months before elections, imposing expenditure ceilings on political parties, and enhancing judicial capacity to expedite election-related cases.
• Free and fair elections: These reforms aim to create a level playing field and ensure free and fair elections and enhancing accountability and transparency in the electoral process.
• Support: However, the implementation of these reforms requires bipartisan political support and a concerted effort, which otherwise risk undermining the democratic principles of "We the people."