Greatest Show Must Go On (GS Paper 2, Polity)
Context:
- The article highlights the evolution, achievements, and challenges of India's electoral system, which was established under the Indian Constitution adopted on November 26, 1949.
- It underscores the pivotal role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring free and fair elections, while addressing issues such as gender representation, criminalization of politics, and the need for electoral reforms to strengthen democracy.
Key Points from the Analysis
Historical Importance of November 26, 1949
- November 26, 1949 marks the day when the Constituent Assembly finalized and adopted the Indian Constitution after nearly three years of deliberations.
- The process involved 7,635 amendments to the draft, and the final document included 395 articles and eight schedules, forming the foundation of India's democratic framework.
Election Framework and Constitutional Articles
- The Indian Constitution emphasized the importance of free and fair elections for democracy.
- Sixteen crucial articles, including Article 324 (establishing the Election Commission of India), were enacted even before the Constitution came into full force.
- The ECI was officially formed on January 25, 1950, a day before India became a sovereign democratic republic.
Ensuring Electoral Independence
- The Sub-Committee on Fundamental Rights in the Constituent Assembly stressed the need for an independent electoral process, free from interference by the executive or legislature.
- Article 329 of the Constitution restricted judicial intervention in elections to ensure a smooth electoral process, a provision that is admired by election commissions worldwide.
- The Constituent Assembly opted for a central Election Commission to oversee both national and state elections, rejecting the idea of state commissions to avoid local biases.
Global Recognition of Indian Elections
- Indian elections have gained global respect, with U.S. Senator Hillary Clinton calling them the “gold standard”, and The New York Times referring to them as “the greatest show on Earth.”
- The Election Commission's International Institute of Democracy and Election Management has trained officials from over 130 countries in the past 12 years, underscoring the global significance of India’s electoral processes.
Challenges to Indian Democracy
- Despite its robust electoral system, India faces challenges such as illiteracy, poor gender participation, corruption, attacks on civil liberties, and a lack of political accountability, which hinder progress toward a truly functional democracy.
- These factors contribute to India's classification as a "flawed democracy" by some global indexes.
Judiciary’s Role in Strengthening Elections
- The Supreme Court has played a crucial role in upholding the ECI’s mandate for free and fair elections.
- Notable rulings include the NOTA judgment (2013) and the 2024 ruling striking down electoral bonds as unconstitutional, addressing issues related to crony capitalism in political funding.
Progress in Gender Representation
- Women in India were granted equal voting rights from the start (Article 326).
- The gender ratio in voter registration improved to 948 women per 1,000 men in 2024, a significant increase from 928 in 2019.
- Notably, 19 out of 36 states saw more women voting than men.
- Despite this progress, legislative representation for women remains limited.
- However, the 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, effective from 2029, marks a significant step forward in gender inclusivity.
Emerging Threats to Democracy
- The increasing criminalization of politics is a growing concern, with 46% of 2024 Lok Sabha members facing criminal charges.
- The role of black money in elections and the ineffectiveness of the Anti-Defection Law have undermined public trust in the system, leading to widespread horse trading in legislative assemblies.
Reforms Demanded by the Election Commission
- The Election Commission has called for several reforms to enhance the integrity of elections:
- A ceiling on political party expenditures, similar to candidate expenditure limits.
- State funding for political parties, subject to independent audits.
- Establishment of a National Election Fund to facilitate tax-free donations, allocated based on party performance.
- Protection for Election Commissioners from arbitrary removal to ensure their independence.
Way Forward
- Strengthen electoral integrity by curbing black money, criminalization, and ensuring transparency in funding through a National Election Fund.
- Empower the Election Commission by granting greater independence to its Commissioners and enhancing their legal authority.
- Implement legislative reforms to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law and operationalize women's reservation in legislatures.
- Promote inclusive participation by encouraging voter education, bridging gender gaps, and promoting more inclusive candidate selection.
- Foster collaborative governance among the executive, legislature, and judiciary, ensuring the safeguarding of democratic principles.
Conclusion
- By addressing the challenges outlined and adopting necessary reforms, India can strengthen its electoral system and move closer to becoming an exemplary democracy.
- Continued efforts in improving electoral transparency, enhancing gender inclusivity, and addressing the criminalization of politics will be crucial in fortifying the nation’s democratic foundations.
