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INTRODUCTION
India stands as one of the world most influential rising democracies. It has been 60 years since the first Indian general election took place. Election Commission of India has come a long way in ensuring the electoral reforms of the country. However our election system, from the selection of candidates, to the manner in which funds are raised and spent in elecelection campaigns, are in dire need of significant changes. election campaigns, are in dire need of significant changes. Goswami Committee on Electoral Reforms (1990) Vohra Committee Report (1993) Indrajit Gupta Committee on State Funding of Elections (1998) Law Commission Report on Reform of the Electoral Laws (1999) National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2001) Election Commission of India Proposed Electoral Reforms (2004) The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (2008)
CORE ISSUES
Criminalization of politics. Financing of elections. Conduct of elections.
Continued. Negative/neutral voting should be allowed as it will allow a voter to express his dissent by rejecting all the candidates contesting in his constituency if he finds none of them suitable to be elected. Democracy in India will be strengthened if people participate in large numbers in the electoral process and have a choice to reject all the candidates instead of being forced to select one who they think is less bad than the others in the fray. 97th Constitutional Amendment not only makes it mandatory for all those switching political sides whether singly or in groups to resign their legislative membership and seek re-election, but also bars The key provisions of the judgement include candidates disclosure of his/her: Criminal antecedents Assets and liabilities Educational qualifications legislators from holding, post-defection, any office of profit.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Mere conducting of elections periodically doesnt prove that we are republic and have an effective democracy. It is the way elections are held, the quality of people elected, their performances that make our democracy effective. Flawed elections have often reduced the legitimacy of our democracy. The political parties do not pay attention to inculcate noble political values and principles of citizenship in the people. They perpetuate the differences among the people and make full use of those differences for creating conflicts among them. This is where our nation loses its essence. This menace needs to be curbed in order to achieve the true values of our freedom. Vigilant public opinion is required to put pressure on government. People have to be sensitized about the malaise of the electoral process. Youngster along with civil societies and voluntary groups can spread awareness on mass level so that people can choose educated, sincere, dedicated, transparent and deserving candidates as their political representatives