Q.12. What are the problems faced by the Election Commission as an institution at present? Also mention solution for them.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) currently faces several challenges that impact its functioning as an institution. Here are some of the key problems and potential solutions:

Problems:

• Impartiality Concerns: There have been questions raised about the ECI’s neutrality and independence, especially regarding interactions with government officials which may affect its autonomous functioning.

• Electoral Reforms: The ECI has faced difficulties in implementing electoral reforms due to various constraints.

• Resource Constraints: The lack of resident officers and personnel on the ground to validate issues like muscle power and money rollouts during elections is a significant challenge.

• Technological Challenges: With the increasing use of technology in elections, issues such as the security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems have arisen.

• Frequent Elections: The continuous cycle of elections puts a strain on the resources and personnel of the ECI.

Solutions:

• Strengthening Autonomy: To ensure the ECI’s impartiality, there should be a clear separation between the commission and the executive branch of the government.

• Electoral Reforms: Implementing comprehensive electoral reforms, including the use of state-sponsored election funds to curb the role of money in politics.

• Dedicated Personnel: Establishing a dedicated election management cadre and personnel system to address on-ground issues effectively.

• Technological Upgrades: Enhancing the security features of EVMs and VVPAT systems to prevent tampering and ensure transparency.

• Constitutional Protection: Providing constitutional protection to all three election commissioners, similar to the Chief Election Commissioner, to instil a sense of security and independence from executive interference.

By addressing these challenges with effective solutions, the ECI can continue to uphold the democratic process in India with integrity and fairness.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken several recent initiatives to address the challenges it faces:

• Abolishing Cumbersome Procedures: The ECI has abolished the cumbersome procedure of Form-M for Kashmiri migrant voters residing at Jammu and Udhampur, making the voting process more accessible.
• Outreach to Elderly and PwD Voters: The commission is making efforts to reach the doorstep of elderly and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) voters to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.
• Crackdown on Anonymous Political Hoardings: To ensure transparency and accountability, the ECI has directed the disclosure of publishers and printers on political hoardings.
• Engagement through Social Media: The ECI is leveraging the power of social media to engage young and urban voters for enhanced participation in elections.
• ‘Myth vs Reality Register’: To combat misinformation, the ECI has introduced a ‘Myth vs Reality Register’ for the General Elections 2024.
• C-Vigil App: The ECI’s C-Vigil app has been successful in allowing voters to report violations, with over 79,000 violations reported so far, and 99% of cases disposed of.
• Special Observers: Deployment of Special Observers (General and Police) in states to oversee the election process and ensure it is conducted fairly.
• Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP): This flagship program aims to educate voters, spread awareness, and promote voter literacy in India.

These initiatives reflect the ECI’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that elections are free, fair, and accessible to all eligible voters.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………