Free and fair election strengthen democracy, it helps to gain public trust in election - Hinesh Rathod

Let's start with the first question that What is Election Reform?

Election reform make the democratic strong more by inclusive more people under the electoral system, it help to reduce corrupt practice, misuse of government machinery, muscle power and money power in election.

Major issue In Indian Electoral Politics:

• Money Power:
  Most of time Political parties and candidate exceed the permissible limit of expenditure in election camping. Political parties try to win elections by any means possible, they nominated candidate with a lot of money.
   
• Muscle Power:
  Booth capturing, intimidation of local people and violence on polls are leveraged to win elections. Rich people and companies who give funds have influence on polices, it is called money and muscles power in politics.
   
• Criminalization and Politics:
  Criminalization of politics means that the criminal entering the politics and contesting election. In fact politician with strong criminal background are also getting tickets from respective political parties.
   
• Misusing Government Machinery:
  Using Government machinery for winning election such vehicles, tools and law profession etc.
   
• Dynastic in Politics:
  Due to the system of dynastic politics, common people and hardworking party members who deserve are not able to reach the top. It is limit to succession of political family member only.
  
  Addressing the nation from Red Fort on the 76th Independence Day, Dated 15th Day of August 2022 Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the two big challenges before country are nepotism, dynasty, and corruption, asserting that we have to fight against these together.
   
• Caste based Politics:
  Caste also influences local politics in some areas. In many case, political parties give tickets to party workers based on their caste to win elections
   
• Ethics and Moral value:
  Democracy is a government of the people, to the people, for the people and by the people, so free and fair elections are necessary for a healthy, progressive and democratic country.
   

Coming to second question that background of Election Reform in India:

Reform And Amendments Done In Electronic Rights:

1. Reduced Voting Age In India
   It was the 61st Constitution amendment act of Indian Constitution in the year 1988 which reduced the minimum right to vote age from 21 to 18 years age.
    
2. Election Voting Machine System (EVM)
   In the year 1988 EVM introduction for state assembly election of Rajasthan, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh (Major reform in election before 2000)
    
3. Contest Election from more 2 than constituencies in India
   The candidates were not allowed contest election more than 2 constituencies in India.
    
4. Expenditure Limit in Election
   The amount is set up for expenditure in election around 50 � 70 Lakh for Lok sabha election only whereas for assembly expenditure INR 20-28 lakh only. (Depending on the state they consenting the Lok Sabha and Assembly)
    
5. Broadcasting Election result before final phase
   Election commission stopped broadcasting election result before final phase in order because it help to avoid misleading to voters.
    
6. Awareness Program
   Elections commission announced that 25th January will be celebrate as National Voters Day for country to spread awareness and important of election.
    
7. Prohibition on sale of Liquor
   There is prohibition of sale distribution of liquor within limit of polling area.
    
8. Disqualification on Conviction for Violating the National Honor Act
   This shall lead to disqualification if found guilty under National Honor Act 1971.
    
9. Time Limit For Bye election:
   Bye-election to any house (Lok Sabha or Assembly) will be held within 6 months from the date of vacancy in that house.
    
10. Disclosure of criminal records education and assets of political candidates:
    In the year 2004, the Election Commission recommended that amendment be made for the Form 26 of Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to include disclosure of assets and liabilities by candidates itself.

The Committee related to Elections reform in India:

• Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms (1990)
• Vohra Committee Report (1993)
• Indrajit Gupta Committee on State Funding of Elections (1998)
• Law Commission Report on Reform of the Electoral Laws (1999)
• National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2001)
• Election Commission of India - Proposed Electoral Reforms (2004)
• The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2008)

Conclusion:
To become a strong democracy, it is necessary to instill public confidence in the election process. Citizens must participate to cast their vote on polling day to choose their government. (Your Vote is Your Voice). In nutshell, free and fair elections help in becoming a progressive and healthy democracy.

Reference/Bibliography:

• https://www.vedantu.com/political-science/electoral-reforms-in-india
• https://byjus.com/free-ias-prep/electoral-reforms-in-india/
• https://adrindia.org/sites/default/files/BACKGROUND%20PAPER%20ON%20ELECTORAL%20REFORMS.pdf

Award Winning Article Is Written By: Mr.Hinesh Navratan Rathod, B.com, LLB student -Thakur Ramnarayan College of Law (TRCL), Mumbai

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