Indian Electoral Reforms Chapter 71

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Election Reforms in India: FAQ 1. What is the significance of the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act of 1988? This amendment lowered the voting age in India from 21 years to 18 years for both Lok Sabha and assembly elections. This was a crucial step in empowering the youth and encouraging their participation in the democratic process. 2. How did the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) impact elections in India? Introduced in 1989, EVMs were first used experimentally in 1998 and then for the entire state of Goa in 1999. EVMs simplified and accelerated the voting process, minimized errors and manipulation, and enhanced the overall efficiency of elections. 3. What measures have been implemented to ensure fair elections and prevent criminal influence? Several provisions target electoral integrity, including the disqualification of candidates convicted under the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act of 1971, restrictions on liquor sales during elections, and the prohibition of arms near polling stations. The Vohra Committee (1993) specifically addressed the nexus between crime and politics, leading to further reforms. 4. How has transparency and accountability been enhanced in the electoral process? Candidates are now required to declare criminal records, assets, liabilities, and educational qualifications. This disclosure aims to inform voters and promote accountability. Additionally, the introduction of the NOTA (None of the Above) option empowers voters to express their dissatisfaction with all candidates. 5. What provisions facilitate voting for specific groups? Service voters in the Armed Forces can vote through proxy. Postal ballots are available for certain categories of individuals, as notified by the Election Commission. Citizens residing abroad can register in the electoral roll of their place of residence in India, as per their passport. 6. How are electoral rolls maintained and updated? Electoral rolls are continuously updated, with January 1st as the qualifying date each year. Online enrolment was introduced in 2013, streamlining the process. Appeals against orders of the Electoral Registration Officer can be made to district-level authorities and subsequently to the Chief Electoral Officer. 7. What is the role of VVPAT in ensuring election integrity? VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) provides a physical record of each vote cast using an EVM. This system allows voters to verify their vote and increases transparency in the event of disputes or recounts. 8. How does the Election Commission utilize media during elections? The Election Commission allocates time slots on cable television and electronic media to political parties for campaigning. This allocation is determined based on the parties' past performance, aiming to ensure fair representation and equitable access to the electorate.

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Discuss Electoral reforms. Electoral reforms in India have been implemented based on the recommendations of various committees and commissions. The reforms can be categorized into four periods: before 1996, 1996, after 1996, and since 2010. Electoral Reforms Before 1996 ●The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 years in 1988 to give young people a voice in the political process. ●Also in 1988, officers and staff working on electoral rolls were placed under the Election Commission's control. ●The number of proposers required for Rajya Sabha and state legislative council nominations was increased to 10% of electors or ten electors, whichever is less, to discourage frivolous candidates. ●Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were introduced in 1989 and first used experimentally in 1998. ●Provisions for addressing booth capturing were made in 1989. ●The Election Commission began issuing Elector's Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) in 1993 to combat bogus voting. Electoral Reforms of 1996 ●Several recommendations from the Dinesh Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms (1990) were implemented in 1996. ●Candidates were classified into three categories for listing purposes: recognized political parties, registered-unrecognized political parties, and independent candidates. ●Disqualification for insulting the national honor was introduced, prohibiting those convicted under the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act of 1971 from contesting elections for six years. ●Liquor sales were prohibited within polling areas for 48 hours leading up to the election. ●The number of proposers required for candidates not sponsored by recognized political parties was increased to ten. ●By-elections were mandated to be held within six months of a vacancy, with exceptions. ●Employees were granted a paid holiday on polling day. ●Candidates were restricted to contesting from a maximum of two constituencies. ●Carrying arms near polling stations was made a cognizable offense. ●The minimum gap between the withdrawal of candidature and polling day was reduced from 20 to 14 days. Electoral Reforms After 1996 ●in 1997, the number of proposers and seconders for Presidential and Vice Presidential elections was increased, and the security deposit was raised to deter frivolous candidates. ●Employees from various institutions could be requisitioned for election duty under a 1998 provision. ●Voting by postal ballot was introduced for specific groups in 1999. ●Service voters in the Armed Forces were given the option to vote by proxy in 2003. ●Candidates were required to declare criminal antecedents, assets, liabilities, and educational qualifications in 2003. ●Changes to Rajya Sabha elections in 2003 included removing domicile requirements and introducing an open ballot system. ●Campaigning leaders' travel expenses were excluded from candidates' election expenses. ●Free copies of electoral rolls and other materials were to be provided to candidates of recognized political parties. ●Political parties were allowed to accept contributions from any person or company (except government companies) in 2003. ●The Election Commission was tasked with allocating time on electronic media for political parties during elections. ●Braille signage features were introduced on EVMs to assist visually impaired voters. Electoral Reforms Since 2010 ●Conducting and publishing exit polls during elections was prohibited in 2009. ●A three-month time limit was established for submitting disqualification cases for corrupt practices. ●All officials involved in election conduct were included within the scope of corrupt practices. ●Security deposits for Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections were increased in 2009. ●An appellate authority within the district was introduced for appeals against Electoral Registration Officer orders. ●Voting rights were extended to Indian citizens residing abroad in 2010. ●Online enrollment in the electoral roll was introduced in 2013. ●The 'None of the Above' (NOTA) option was added to ballot papers and EVMs. ●Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs) were introduced for vote verification. ●Persons in jail or police custody were allowed to contest elections. ●The Supreme Court ruled in 2013 that convicted MPs and MLAs would be immediately disqualified. ●The ceiling on election expenditure was increased in 2014. ●Photographs of candidates were added to EVMs and ballot papers in elections held after May 1, 2015. This response is based solely on the information you provided.

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Discuss Election committees. Election Committees in India: The podcast provide a list of committees and commissions that have examined India's electoral system, election machinery, and processes. Based on the recommendations of these committees, various reforms have been implemented. ●Joint Parliamentary Committee on Amendments to Election Laws (1971-72) ●Tarkunde Committee (1974-75): This unofficial committee was appointed by Jaya Prakash Narayan during his "Total Revolution" movement. ●Dinesh Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms (1990): This committee submitted a report with various proposals for electoral reforms, some of which were implemented in 1996. ●Vohra Committee on the Nexus between Crime and Politics (1993) ●Election Commission of India Recommendations on Electoral Reforms (1998) ●Indrajit Gupta Committee on State Funding of Elections (1998) ●Law Commission of India 170th Report on Reform of the Electoral Laws (1999) ●National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2000-2002): Headed by M.N. Venkatachaliah. ●Election Commission of India Report on Proposed Electoral Reforms (2004) ●Second Administrative Reforms Commission of India Report on Ethics in Governance (2007): Headed by Veerappa Moily. ●Tankha Committee (Core Committee) (2010): Appointed to examine election laws and electoral reforms. ●J.S. Verma Committee Report on Amendments to Criminal Law (2013) ●Law Commission of India 244th Report on Electoral Disqualifications (2014) ●Law Commission of India 255th Report on Electoral Reforms (2015) The sources categorize the electoral reforms implemented in India into four periods: ●Electoral reforms before 1996 ●Electoral reforms of 1996 ●Electoral reforms after 1996 ●Electoral reforms since 2010 The podcast further elaborate on various specific electoral reforms implemented during these periods.

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Discuss Voting reforms. Voting Reforms in India: The podcast describe several voting reforms that have been introduced in India, organized by time period: before 1996, in 1996, after 1996, and since 2010. Reforms Before 1996 ●Lowering of Voting Age: The voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 in 1988 to allow younger people to participate in the political process. ●Deputation to Election Commission: In 1988, a provision was made for officers and staff working on electoral rolls to be on deputation to the Election Commission. This placed them under the Election Commission's control during their employment. ●Increase in Number of Proposers: The number of electors required to sign as proposers for Rajya Sabha and state legislative council elections was increased in 1988 to prevent non-serious candidates. ●Electronic Voting Machines: A provision was made in 1989 to facilitate the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs). ●Booth Capturing: In 1989, a provision was made for adjourning or countermanding elections in cases of booth capturing, which includes various forms of disrupting the voting process. ●Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC): The Election Commission started issuing photo identity cards to electors in 1993 to prevent bogus voting and impersonation. Reforms of 1996 Several reforms were implemented in 1996 based on recommendations from the Dinesh Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms. These include: ●Listing of Candidates: Candidates are classified and listed on ballot papers based on their affiliation with recognized or unrecognized political parties, or as independent candidates. ●Disqualification for Insulting the National Honor: Individuals convicted of certain offenses under the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act of 1971 are disqualified from contesting elections for six years. ●Prohibition on the Sale of Liquor: The sale and distribution of alcohol is prohibited within polling areas for 48 hours leading up to the conclusion of polls. ●Number of Proposers: The nomination of candidates not sponsored by a recognized political party requires signatures from 10 registered electors as proposers. ●Death of a Candidate: Elections are no longer countermanded due to the death of a candidate before polling. Recognized political parties can propose another candidate within seven days. ●Time Limit for By-Elections: By-elections must be held within six months of a vacancy, except in certain circumstances. ●Holiday to Employees on Polling Day: Registered voters employed in various establishments are entitled to a paid holiday on polling day. ●Contestants Restricted to Two Constituencies: Candidates can only contest from a maximum of two constituencies in general or simultaneous by-elections. ●Prohibition of Arms: Entering a polling station with arms is a cognizable offense. ●Reduced Campaigning Period: The minimum time between the last date for withdrawing candidature and polling day was reduced from 20 to 14 days. Reforms After 1996 ●Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections: The number of proposers and seconders, and the security deposit amount, were increased for presidential and vice presidential elections in 1997 to deter frivolous candidates. ●Requisitioning of Staff for Election Duty: Employees from various organizations can be requisitioned for election duty. ●Voting through Postal Ballot: The Election Commission can notify classes of persons eligible to vote via postal ballot. ●Facility to Opt to Vote Through Proxy: Service voters in the Armed Forces can opt to vote through a designated proxy. ●Declaration of Criminal Antecedents, Assets, etc.: Candidates must declare information about their criminal history, assets, liabilities, and educational qualifications. ●Changes in Rajya Sabha Elections: Domicile requirements for Rajya Sabha candidates were removed and an open ballot system was introduced in 2003. ●Exemption of Traveling Expenditure: Campaigning expenses incurred by political party leaders are exempt from candidates' election expenses. ●Free Supply of Electoral Rolls: Recognised political party candidates receive free copies of electoral rolls and other materials. ●Parties Entitled to Accept Contribution: Political parties can accept contributions from various sources, but must report contributions exceeding ₹20,000 to the Election Commission. ●Allocation of Time on Electronic Media: Equitable time allocation on cable television and other electronic media is managed by the Election Commission during elections. ●Introduction of Braille Signage Features in EVMs: Braille signage was introduced on EVMs to assist visually impaired voters. Reforms Since 2010 ●Restrictions Imposed on Exit Polls: Conducting and publishing exit polls are prohibited during specific periods determined by the Election Commission. ●Time-Limit for Submitting a Case for Disqualification: A three-month time limit was set for submitting cases of candidates guilty of corrupt practices to the President. ●All Officials Included in Corrupt Practice: All officials involved in election conduct are included under corrupt practices related to obtaining assistance for furthering election prospects. ●Increase in Security Deposit: The security deposit amount for candidates contesting Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly elections was increased. ●Appellate Authority within the District: An appellate authority within the district was established for appeals against orders of Electoral Registration Officers. ●Voting Rights to Citizens of India Living Abroad: Provisions were made for citizens residing abroad to register and vote in elections. ●Online Enrolment in the Electoral Roll: Online application filing for electoral roll enrolment was introduced in 2013. ●Introduction of NOTA Option: A "None of the Above" (NOTA) option was introduced on ballot papers and EVMs, allowing voters to express their rejection of all candidates. ●Introduction of VVPAT: Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems attached to EVMs were introduced for vote verification. ●Persons in Jail or Police Custody Can Contest Elections: Provisions were added to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, allowing individuals in jail or police custody to contest elections. ●Immediate Disqualification of Convicted MPs and MLAs: The Supreme Court ruled that convicted MPs and MLAs are immediately disqualified, eliminating the three-month appeal period. ●Ceiling on Election Expenditure Increased: The maximum limit on election spending by candidates was raised. ●Photos of Candidates on EVMs and Ballot Papers: Candidate photographs are included on ballot papers and EVMs to prevent confusion in cases of similar names. Please note that the podcast do not cover all possible voting reforms, and additional information may exist.

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Discuss Election processes. Here is a discussion of election processes : ●The sources focus on reforms to the Indian electoral system, rather than a general discussion of election processes. ●These reforms have impacted various aspects of the electoral process, including: ○Voter Eligibility: Lowering the voting age to 18. ○Candidate Nomination: Increasing the number of proposers required for nomination. ○Voting Mechanisms: Introducing electronic voting machines (EVMs) and later adding the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). ○Campaigning: Regulating campaign financing and the use of media. ○Addressing Criminal Influence: Disqualifying candidates convicted of certain offenses, and prohibiting the sale of liquor near polling places. ●The sources also highlight efforts to improve transparency and fairness. These include: ○Requiring candidates to declare criminal records, assets, and liabilities. ○Introducing the "None of the Above" (NOTA) option on ballots. ○Granting voting rights to citizens living abroad. ●The sources provide a historical overview of these reforms, categorizing them by period. It is important to note that the podcast focus specifically on the Indian context. Election processes can vary significantly across different countries and systems.

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Discuss Candidate regulations. Candidate Regulations in Indian Elections: The podcast describe various regulations regarding candidates in Indian elections. These regulations cover qualifications, disqualifications, and conduct during the election process. Here are some key points: ●Disqualification for Insulting National Honor: Candidates convicted under the Prevention of Insults to National Honor Act of 1971 are disqualified for six years. This includes offenses such as insulting the National Flag or Constitution or preventing the singing of the National Anthem. ●Restrictions on Running for Multiple Seats: Candidates cannot contest from more than two parliamentary or assembly constituencies in a general election or simultaneous by-elections. Similar restrictions apply to Rajya Sabha and state legislative council elections. ●Declaration of Criminal Background, Assets, and Liabilities: Candidates must declare criminal convictions, pending cases, assets, liabilities, and educational qualifications on their nomination papers. Providing false information is an electoral offense. ●Open Ballot System for Rajya Sabha Elections: Rajya Sabha elections use an open ballot system to curb cross-voting and the influence of money. Electors belonging to a political party must show their marked ballot papers to a party agent. ●Restrictions on Exit Polls: Conducting or publishing exit poll results during Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections is prohibited. Violators face imprisonment and fines. ●Impact of Imprisonment or Police Custody on Candidacy: Being in jail or police custody does not disqualify a person from contesting elections if their name is on the electoral roll. This provision was added to counteract a Supreme Court order. ●Immediate Disqualification Upon Conviction: Members of Parliament and MLAs are immediately disqualified upon conviction for offenses. This Supreme Court ruling removed the previous three-month appeal period. ●Ceiling on Election Expenditure: The government has set limits on election spending for Lok Sabha and Assembly seats, varying by state. ●Photos on Ballot Papers and EVMs: To reduce voter confusion, ballot papers and EVMs display candidate photographs alongside their names and party symbols. Candidates must submit a recent photograph when filing nominations.