Democratic Evolution: Major Electoral Reforms in India Since 1996 – (Part 02)

Since 1996, India has seen significant electoral reforms aimed at strengthening democratic processes and enhancing transparency, fairness, and inclusiveness in elections. These reforms encompass changes to candidate eligibility, voter accessibility, political funding, and electoral administration. Key measures have been introduced to address the challenges of corruption, criminality in politics, and voter integrity, ensuring a more robust electoral system.

Electoral Reforms in India: Post-1996 Developments

Electoral Reform after 1996

• Prescribed Conditions for President And Vice President: In the year 1997,the number of electors as proposers and seconders for contesting the elections to 

• • • The Office of the President-It was increased from 10 to 50 
    • The Office of the Vice President-It was increased  from 5 to 20.

• Requisitioning of Staff for Election Duty: In 1998, a new provision was brought in which the requisitioning of staff was made available for deployment for election duty which includes the employees as

• • • Local authorities 
    • Nationalised banks
    • Universities
    • LIC
    • Government undertakings.

• Postal Ballot Voting: In 1999, a new provision was brought  for voting  by certain classes of persons through postal ballot which would be notified by the Election Commission in consultation with the government during elections in their constituency and not in any other manner.

• Proxy Voting-Facility: In 2003, the facility of proxy voting was made available to those who belonged to the Armed Forces and members belonging to a Force to which  the provisions of the Army Act apply.

• • • By this facility, service voters have to appoint a proxy in a prescribed format and  intimate the Returning Officer of that constituency.

• Supplying  Free electoral rolls: The provision was brought by which the government should supply electoral rolls and other prescribed material to the candidates of recognized political parties for the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assembly elections at free of cost. 

• Guidelines related to acceptance of contribution: In 2003, The political parties had to report to the Election Commission if  the contribution is  in excess of ₹20,000  for making any claim to any income tax relief. 

• • • Besides, the companies would get tax exemption on the amount contributed.

• Time allocation for electronic media: By this provision of 2003, the Election Commission shall  allocate equitable sharing of time on the cable television network and other electronic media to recognized political parties based on their  past performances.

• Declaration of Criminal Antecedents, Assets by Candidates: The order was issued by the Election Commission of India that every candidate, seeking election to the Parliament as well as  the State Legislature, should furnish the following information on his nomination paper:

• • • Imprisonment/fine/Conviction/acquittal/discharge of the candidate in any criminal offence in the past. 
    • Whether a candidate is accused in a case regarding an offence punishable with imprisonment of two years or more.
    • The assets of the candidate, his/her spouse and that of dependents.
    • Liabilities, any dues to public financial institutions or government dues.
    • Educational qualifications of the candidate.

• Changes in Rajya Sabha Elections: In 2003, three changes were introduced:

• • • Domicile or residency requirement of a candidate contesting election to the Rajya Sabha was removed. Any elector from any constituency can contest the election.
    • Open ballot system replaced the secret ballot system. 
    • Now the elector has to show his ballot paper, after marking his vote to, to a nominated agent of his political party.

• Introduction Of Braille Signage Features in EVMs: In 2004, Braille Signage features were introduced in the EVMs during the bye-election in Andhra Pradesh.

Electoral Reforms since 2010

Conclusion

The electoral reforms introduced after 1996 reflect India’s commitment to evolving its democratic framework to meet contemporary challenges. 

• These measures have collectively enhanced the credibility of elections, improved voter participation, and ensured greater accountability among candidates and political parties. 
• The continuous updating and refinement of electoral processes underscore India’s dedication to upholding the principles of democracy and fostering a more transparent and inclusive political environment.

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