Election Commission, Electoral Democracy and Constitutionalization of Elections in India
| Published date | 01 June 2021 |
| DOI | 10.1177/00195561211022579 |
| Date | 01 June 2021 |
| Subject Matter | Articles |
Election Commission,
Electoral Democracy and
Constitutionalization of
Elections in India
Mayengbam Nandakishwor Singh1
Abstract
Amid the debates as to whether India practises democracy in the true fashion,
the stupendous role of the Election Commission of India (ECI) clearly exhibits
that India adopts at least a robust electoral democracy. Stringent election
codes of conduct are imposed on political parties. The ECI ensures that all
Indian citizens eligible for political rights exercise their franchise independently.
They are sufficiently empowered to choose their representatives. Since the
responsibilities of ensuring free and fair elections are shouldered by the Election
Commission, there is no doubt that it holds one of the worthiest roles in shaping
Indian democracy. This article seeks to examine the changing role of the ECI
in building electoral democracy in the country. Most importantly, the present
article attempts to examine the noteworthy measures undertaken by the ECI to
bolster the electoral democracy in India in the 21st century.
Keywords
People, constitution, franchise, election, politics
Constitutional Structure of Election Commission
of India
In this section, first, the broad structure of the Election Commission of India
(ECI) is discussed. Then, the present nature of Indian democracy, is explained.
And, subsequently, the measures taken by the ECI to bolster Indian democracy
have been discussed in detail. The ECI is an autonomous body under Indian
Constitution. It is one of the constitutional bodies in India. It draws its powers
Article
Indian Journal of Public
Administration
67(2) 165–1176, 2021
© 2021 IIPA
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DOI: 10.1177/00195561211022579
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1 Faculty of Political Science, National Law University and Judicial Academy, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Corresponding author:
Mayengbam Nandakishwor Singh, Faculty of Political Science, National Law University and Judicial
Academy, Hazo Road, Amingaon, Kamrup, Guwahati 781031, Assam, India.
E-mail: nkishwors@gmail.com
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