Article 1: Electoral Roll and Elections in India
Why in news: Recent debates over electoral roll revisions, voter registration and verification have highlighted concerns about electoral integrity, inclusion and transparency, bringing the functioning of India’s electoral system into focus.
Key Details
- Article 324 gives the Election Commission of India (ECI) control over elections.
- Article 325 provides for a single general electoral roll without discrimination on religion, race, caste or sex.
- Article 326 provides for adult suffrage for Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
- Electoral rolls are prepared and revised to include eligible voters and remove ineligible entries.
- EVMs, VVPAT, voter registration and the Model Code of Conduct strengthen the transparency and credibility of elections.
Constitutional Basis
- Article 324 vests the Election Commission of India (ECI) with the superintendence, direction and control of elections.
- Article 325 provides for one general electoral roll for every territorial constituency.
- No person can be excluded from an electoral roll on grounds of religion, race, caste or sex.
- Article 326 provides for adult suffrage for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
- Indian citizens aged 18 years or above are eligible to be registered as voters, subject to legal conditions.
Electoral Roll
- An electoral roll is the official list of persons entitled to vote in a particular constituency.
- Electoral rolls are prepared constituency-wise under the supervision of the ECI.
- The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) is responsible for preparing and revising electoral rolls.
- A person can be registered only in the constituency where they are ordinarily resident.
- A person cannot be registered in more than one constituency or more than once in the same constituency.
Revision of Electoral Rolls
- Electoral rolls are continuously updated to include eligible voters and remove ineligible entries.
- New voters can apply for registration after attaining 18 years.
- Names may be deleted due to death, shifting of residence or other disqualifications.
- The ECI conducts Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls.
- Citizens can also raise claims and objections regarding entries in the electoral roll.
Voter Registration
- Form 6 is generally used for inclusion of a name in the electoral roll.
- Form 7 is used for deletion or objection to an entry.
- Form 8 is used for correction of entries and certain changes in electoral-roll details.
- Voters can access registration and correction services through the ECI's digital platforms.
- The EPIC (Elector Photo Identity Card) helps establish the identity of a registered voter.
Conduct of Elections
- The ECI conducts elections to the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, President and Vice-President.
- Elections are based on universal adult suffrage.
- Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections generally follow the first-past-the-post system.
- In the FPTP system, the candidate securing the highest number of votes in a constituency is elected.
- The ECI announces the election schedule and supervises the electoral process.
Important Safeguards
- The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) regulates the behaviour of political parties and candidates during elections.
- Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are used for recording votes.
- VVPAT provides a paper trail that allows voters to verify their recorded vote.
- NOTA (None of the Above) allows voters to indicate that they do not wish to vote for any candidate.
- Election disputes relating to Parliament and State Legislatures are generally decided through election petitions before the High Courts.
Conclusion
Electoral rolls form the foundation of India’s electoral system by identifying eligible voters and ensuring their participation in elections. Their regular revision helps maintain accurate voter records and electoral integrity. The Election Commission of India, supported by constitutional safeguards, technology and electoral laws, seeks to ensure elections that are inclusive, transparent, accessible and representative of the people.
Descriptive question:
Discuss the significance of accurate electoral rolls in ensuring free and fair elections in India. Examine the role of the Election Commission of India in maintaining electoral integrity. (150 words, 10 marks)