Reforms Altering the Nature of Elections

These are the various electoral reforms constituted from time to time to reform the Indian electoral system.

1. Limiting the Election Expenditure: The amount a candidate can spend for election in Lok Sabha Constituencies is between 54 lakhs-70 lakhs to 70 lakhs-95 lakhs and in the case of state elections the range is between 20 lakhs-28 lakhs to 40 lakhs. The amount can vary depending on the state where the election is being conducted. Every candidate is required to keep a record of all the expenditures from the date of nomination to the date of results (Section 77, RPA 1951). Incorrect information may lead to disqualification of the candidate by the Election Commission of India for up to 3 years (Section 10A, RPA 1951). 
    
2. Deputation to the Election Commission: Section 13CC of the Representation of Peoples Act states that Every professional in charge of electoral duties forms a part of the deputation of the election commission, and they report directly to the Election Commission of India all throughout the electoral period.
    
3. A new regulation was issued demanding political parties to claim income tax benefits for any contribution to the Election Commission exceeding Rupees 20K.
    
4. Sale of liquor prohibited: A 48-hour ban is imposed on all places near the polling area prohibiting them from selling liquor or intoxicants.
    
5. Arms Act 1959 prohibits anyone with arms to go near the vicinity of the polling station. If anyone is found in possession of arms around the polling booth, they can be sentenced to a punishment of up to 2 years.
    
6. Employees of every organization are entitled to a paid holiday on the day of elections, even daily wagers are entitled to receive their entire day’s wage for the day of the election and anyone failing to abide by this is punishable by a fine.
    
7. The time period of bye-elections to union and state parliaments was fixed to 6 months, within which elections must be conducted to fill the empty seats. This will not stand valid if the tenure of the member whose vacancy needs to be filled is less than 1 year and if the Election Commission along with the Central government decides it’s not suitable to conduct bye-elections.
    
8. The time dedicated to campaigning was also reduced by the electoral reforms. there is a ban on any form of active campaigning by any candidate or political party which begins 48 hours before election day and ends after polling day. This period is referred to as the silence period, it is an attempt to enable the voters to think in peace and cast their votes judiciously.
    
9. Death of a contesting candidate: Presently elections are not rescheduled or postponed owing to the death of a candidate contesting an election. However, if the candidate belonged to any recognized political party the party is granted a time frame of 7 days within which they must nominate an alternative candidate.

Electoral reforms in India aim to improve and modernize the country’s electoral system, making it more efficient, transparent, and fair. Elections are a predominant aspect of Democracy. India, as the world’s largest democracy values elections and electoral reforms, to uphold the integrity and authenticity of an ideal democracy. The Indian electoral system has undergone a lot of changes since 1988 which have aimed at making the electoral democracy in India free and fair.