Elections and institutional reforms in India: A case of the Election Commission

Abstract

The role of election in democracy is indeed significant. Elections provide legitimacy to the political system. It facilitates smooth transfer of power. The Election Commission of India is entrusted with the herculean task of providing free and fair elections. The Election Commission established and maintained its dignity over these years and is looked up to as a significant institution of Indian democratic set up. In a country where people heavily support democracy, functioning of electoral machinery is essential to support furtherance of democracy. It should be independent of executive and legislative control. In recent years, the Election Commissions power to conduct free and fair elections came under question. The larger questions involved in these issues were the manner in which Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs) are appointed and removed. The present chapter tries to highlight these issues and suggest the need for reform of this institution.