The electoral system in India based on Universal Adult Franchise has helped the voters not only in choosing their representative, but also in facilitating smooth and peaceful change of governments, replacing one political party or set of political parties by another. Our elections, held so far, have largely been free and fair. People have participated in the election processes actively. Accordingly elections have become an important part of our democratic life. And yet, there are certain critical problems that have been adversely affecting not only the quality of the electoral process but also the functioning of democratic system. These definitely call for electoral reforms.
Major recommendations for bringing about election reforms:
1. Democratization of the electoral system is made from time to time so as to keep the electoral system in pace with changing time.
2. Change from the on-going system (plurality system) to some form of proportional representation system to be introduced to reduce the vote-seats imbalance.
3. The functioning of political parties to be regulated in order to ensure that they function in a transparent and democratic manner. There is a need to audit their expenditure incurred during elections.
4. Electoral laws to be made more stringent and there must be provisions for harsher punishment.
5. State funding of elections to be introduced so as to reduce and curb election expenses.
6. Special provision to be made to ensure at least one third representation of women in Parliament and state legislatures.
7. The role of money and muscle power to be curbed during the elections.
8. Criminalization of politics to be stopped in the elections.
9. Candidates with any criminal record to be banned from contesting elections.
10. Complete ban to be imposed on the use of caste and religious appeal in election campaigns.
