ELECTORAL REFORMS IN INDIA: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF ISSUES, IMPACT, AND EMERGING PROSPECTS

Abstract

Elections form the bedrock of democratic governance, offering citizens the power to choose their representatives and influence public policy. In India, the world’s largest democracy, the electoral process is both a remarkable achievement and a complex challenge. While the country has successfully conducted regular elections since independence, its electoral system has faced ongoing scrutiny due to issues such as criminalization of politics, unchecked electoral expenditure, media manipulation, voter apathy, and flaws in voter roll management. Over the years, various reforms have been introduced to strengthen the integrity of elections, including the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Voter ID cards, NOTA (None of the above) options, and Supreme Court-mandated disclosures of candidates’ criminal records and financial assets. These reforms have brought improvements, yet significant structural and ethical challenges continue to undermine public trust and electoral fairness. This paper critically analyses the major issues affecting India’s electoral system, the impact of past reforms, and the emerging prospects for further change. Recommendations from the Law Commission, judicial interventions, and Election Commission guidelines have contributed to positive developments, but effective implementation remains inconsistent. The study concludes that to ensure the continued health of Indian democracy, comprehensive electoral reforms must be prioritized. Emerging solutions like simultaneous elections, state funding of campaigns, stronger regulation of party finances, and expanded voter awareness programs are essential to address the root causes of electoral distortions. A collaborative effort between the government, judiciary, Election Commission, political parties, and civil society is vital for building a transparent, accountable, and truly representative electoral system.