Ensuring Independence of ECI and Need for Electoral Reforms in the Light of the Challenges Faced by ECI in Ensuring Free and Fair Elections

This research aims to articulate the pressing need for electoral reforms in India, with specific reference to the challenges faced by Election Commission of India (ECI) in ensuring that elections remain free and fair. It explores various aspects related to electoral reforms. The research begins with an opening part highlighting the significance of democratic systems based on free and fair election scenarios, then moves on to advocate a centralised independent ECI, examines existing composition of ECI, responsibilities or duties of ECI as well as some other major issues in election process such as funding of election and criminalization in politics. After examining the independence of ECI in the light of appointment process of election commissioners and discussing the Supreme court verdict on the appointment process it concludes with an evaluation of the controversial scheme for electoral bonds designed by government and viewed as unconstitutional by Supreme Court. Throughout this, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of why there is a dire need for electoral reforms in India through extensive analysis of these subject matters. This will enable it absorb information that can help strengthen its electoral system and preserve democracy’s key attribute which is holding free & fair elections.