Safeguarding Democracy: The Need for Electoral Reforms in India
Introduction
In the bustling democracy of India, where over 900 million voters exercise their right to choose their representatives, the electoral process stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s democratic fabric. However, as with any system, there are challenges and areas for improvement. Recent events have brought to light the urgent need for electoral reforms in India, sparking debates and discussions across the political spectrum. This essay aims to explore the current state of India’s electoral system, the issues it faces, and the potential reforms that could strengthen the democratic process.
The Evolution of India’s Electoral System
Since India’s first general election in 1952, its voting process has transformed significantly. Initially, elections relied on paper ballots, which were slow and susceptible to fraud. The introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the 1990s improved efficiency and security, and the 2013 addition of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips further enhanced transparency. By 2019, all constituencies adopted EVMs with 100% VVPAT backup, allowing voters to confirm their choices.
However, despite these advancements, concerns persist about electoral fraud and vote manipulation. Allegations of tampered EVMs, rigged voter lists, and duplicate voter IDs across multiple states have led to widespread distrust in the system. Additionally, election campaigns have become increasingly marred by hate speech, excessive spending, and candidates with serious criminal backgrounds. To ensure that India’s democracy remains robust, urgent electoral reforms are needed.
Manipulation of Electoral Rolls and Duplicate Voter IDs
One of the biggest threats to electoral integrity is the manipulation of voter rolls. Reports suggest that during recent elections in Maharashtra and Delhi, large numbers of fake voters were added to electoral lists, allegedly favouring the ruling party. Opposition parties and civil society groups have raised concerns that such tampering can alter election results, effectively disenfranchising legitimate voters.
A particularly alarming issue is the presence of duplicate Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers across states like West Bengal, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab. Some voters reportedly have identical EPIC numbers, raising suspicions of systematic voter fraud. While the Election Commission (EC) attributes this to past decentralised record-keeping, the consequences are severe: fake voters could be casting multiple ballots, undermining the credibility of elections.
A potential solution is linking Aadhaar numbers with voter IDs, which would prevent duplication. However, privacy concerns and the risk of disenfranchising voters without Aadhaar must be addressed before implementing such measures nationwide.
Concerns over EVMs and VVPAT Verification
Despite EVMs revolutionising Indian elections by reducing human error, some political parties and activists continue to demand a return to paper ballots, citing security concerns. While no conclusive evidence of large-scale EVM tampering exists, public distrust remains high.
One major issue is the limited verification of VVPAT slips. Currently, only five machines per assembly segment undergo VVPAT cross-checking, which critics argue is insufficient to detect tampering. The Supreme Court dismissed demands for 100% VVPAT matching but recommended that, in case of suspicion, the burnt memory of 5% of EVMs should be checked.
A more effective approach would be to scientifically determine a sample size for VVPAT matching, ensuring that enough machines are verified to instil public confidence. Additionally, introducing ‘totaliser’ machines, which aggregate votes from multiple EVMs before counting, could prevent voter intimidation by concealing booth-level voting patterns.
Excessive Election Spending and Its Consequences
Indian elections have become astronomically expensive, with political parties and candidates routinely exceeding spending limits. The 2024 Lok Sabha elections saw a record ₹1,00,000 crore spent on campaigning. While individual candidates face strict expenditure limits, political parties do not, creating an unfair advantage for wealthier parties.
Such high spending fosters corruption, as winning candidates often feel compelled to recover election costs through illicit means. Additionally, the influence of corporate donations raises concerns about policy-making favouring large donors rather than the public interest.
To curb this, election laws should be amended to include party expenditures within overall campaign limits. A cap on political party spending would create a more level playing field, preventing elections from being won purely through financial muscle.
The Criminalisation of Politics
Perhaps the most alarming trend in Indian elections is the rising number of candidates with criminal backgrounds. The Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) reported that 46% of MPs elected in 2024 had criminal cases against them, including serious charges like murder and rape. This raises troubling questions about governance and the rule of law.
The Supreme Court mandates that candidates and parties declare criminal records at least three times before elections in newspapers and electronic media. However, enforcement is weak, and voters often remain unaware. Stronger laws are needed, including barring candidates facing serious criminal charges from contesting elections unless acquitted. Strict enforcement of disclosure requirements and widespread public awareness campaigns could help voters make informed choices.
Campaign Malpractices and the Role of ‘Star Campaigners’
Election campaigns, meant to be a platform for policy debates, have often descended into mudslinging, communal appeals, and outright misinformation. Political leaders frequently violate the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by using hate speech or making baseless allegations. ‘Star Campaigners’—high-profile leaders who campaign for their parties—are often the biggest culprits, yet they enjoy exemptions from candidate spending limits, effectively allowing parties to bypass regulations.
To address this, the EC should be empowered to revoke the ‘Star Campaigner’ status of individuals who repeatedly violate the MCC. Additionally, parties that fail to comply with MCC guidelines should face strict penalties, including temporary suspension of recognition. These measures would promote a more ethical and issue-based election campaign culture.
Challenges in Implementing Reforms
While electoral reforms are crucial for a fair democracy, several challenges make their implementation difficult. Political resistance is a major hurdle, as many parties benefit from the current system and oppose changes that limit their financial and electoral advantages. Upgrading EVM verification and linking Aadhaar to voter IDs require significant investment and strong cybersecurity, making technological barriers another concern. Moreover, reforms will be ineffective unless voters understand their importance. Large-scale awareness campaigns are necessary to educate citizens about the need for transparent elections and encourage public demand for change.
Legal and financial constraints further complicate reform efforts. Many proposed changes require amendments to laws or even the Constitution, which can be a long and complex process. Additionally, the Election Commission (EC) needs adequate funding and skilled personnel to enforce new regulations effectively. Without sufficient resources, reforms may remain on paper rather than becoming reality. Despite these obstacles, electoral reforms are essential to maintain India’s democratic integrity. A transparent, accountable electoral system ensures that every vote counts, strengthening public trust in the democratic process and protecting the nation’s future.
Conclusion: A Call for Urgent Action
India’s electoral system has made remarkable progress, but unresolved issues threaten the very foundation of its democracy. Electoral roll manipulation, unreliable voter identification, excessive campaign spending, criminal candidates, and unethical campaigning practices must be addressed through urgent and well-implemented reforms.
By improving VVPAT verification, introducing totaliser machines, capping party expenditures, strictly enforcing criminal record disclosures, and regulating campaign conduct, India can restore trust in its elections. However, real change requires political will, legal amendments, and active public participation. As future voters and leaders, citizens must demand accountability and transparency in elections.
As Dr. B.R. Ambedkar rightly said, “Democracy is not merely a form of government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience.” Protecting India’s electoral integrity is not just about improving systems—it is about safeguarding democracy itself for generations to come.
