COMPARATIVE ATTITUDES TO ELECTORAL INSTITUTIONS:PROBLEMS AND REFORM OPPORTUNITIES IN INDIA AND BEYOND

Abstract

This article engages in a critical analysis of the Election Commission of India (ECI), a Constitutionally established Election Management Body (EMB) that has developed into one of the strongest institutions of Indian democracy. With Article 324 of the Constitution creating it in 1950, the ECI was initially conceptualized as an organ of supervision of elections with a view to seeking procedural legitimacy. With the passage of time, through judicial interpretation and legislative evolution, its mandate has grown significantly in order to exercise very comprehensive supervisory and quasi-judicial powers. The Supreme Court has consistently reaffirmed and strengthened this independence, thus increasing the institutional stature of the Commission.

But the expansion of powers has also raised important issues concerning accountability and transparency. Although the ECI is hailed for conducting free and fair elections, doubts are raised whether the lack of proper checks could undermine democratic equilibrium. With the fast-changing socio-political context, the need for reforms to enhance the independence of institutions, structural accountability, and responsiveness to popular expectations has only gained more strength. This research analyzes the formation, structure, and roles of the ECI in the broader democratic governance framework, contrasts its model with global EMB models, and suggests reforms consistent with global best practices to ensure electoral integrity in India.