Issue Details

STRENGTHENING ELECTORAL DEMOCRACY IN INDIA: ROLE OF FEDERALISM IN ELECTORAL REFORMS AND POLITICAL ACCOUNTABILITY

ABSTRACT

India’s democratic framework is deeply intertwined with its federal structure, where electoral processes are crucial in maintaining the balance between national cohesion and regional autonomy. This study explores the intricate relationship between federalism and electoral reforms in India, focusing on how structural changes in electoral mechanisms impact democratic governance and political accountability. With a multi-tiered government system that includes the central government, state governments, and local bodies, electoral democracy in India operates within a complex matrix of power-sharing and jurisdictional autonomy. The paper delves into key electoral reforms introduced over the years, such as the introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), NOTA (None of the Above), state funding of elections, and efforts toward simultaneous elections (One Nation, One Election). It examines the role of constitutional bodies like the Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring free and fair elections while addressing the challenges posed by money and muscle power and voter disenfranchisement. The study also highlights the significance of federalism in determining the nature of political representation, coalition politics, and regional assertions within the national electoral framework. Furthermore, the research evaluates the impact of regional political parties on national governance and how electoral reforms have influenced federal-state relations, particularly in areas such as the delimitation of constituencies, reservation policies, and the autonomy of state election commissions. Issues like the demand for proportional representation, the anti-defection law, and the role of the governor’s discretionary powers in government formation are analysed to understand their implications for India’s evolving electoral democracy. By assessing case studies from recent elections and major political transitions, the study aims to provide insights into how electoral reforms can enhance political accountability, reduce electoral malpractices, and foster cooperative federalism. It also critically examines the challenges faced in implementing reforms, such as resistance from political stakeholders, legal hurdles, and the feasibility of structural changes within the electoral process. Ultimately, this paper argues that strengthening electoral democracy in India requires a balanced approach where federalism and electoral reforms work in tandem to ensure political stability, democratic legitimacy, and enhanced voter participation.

FULL TEXT