Indian Journal for Research in Law and Management
Advancing Law and Management
ISSN No. : 2583-9896
ISSN No. : 2583-9896
LEGAL ASPECTS OF ELECTORAL REFORMS IN INDIA: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Abstract
Abraham Lincoln once made a poignant statement that "the ballot is stronger than the bullet", expressing his belief that holding elections is the only way for democracy to continue. However, is it really possible for electoral democracy to be a true expression of the people's will if the factors like the power of money, crime, hidden political funding, and electoral fraud still determine the results of the elections? This paper tries to understand the legal side of the electoral reforms in India by studying the constitutional provision related to elections, the Election Commission of India's role, and analyzing the Representation of the People Acts, 1950 and 1951. It highlights the reforms that have been made to address major issues like the criminalization of politics, political funding, and the courts' involvement in electoral governance. It discusses the problems faced by the present day like the influence of money and muscle power, paid news, the role of media, and the EVM-VVPAT controversies.