The Election Commission of India is set to host a meeting with representatives from seven national political parties and 51 state parties. The purpose of this gathering is to deliberate on issues such as expenditure limits, enhancement of women’s participation, and other potential electoral reforms.
Addressing Key Issues in Elections
Among the main topics to be discussed includes Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951. This provision prohibits campaigning during the final 48 hours prior to polling conclusion, aiming to prevent last-minute appeals that could influence voters. The Commission is seeking suggestions for regulating online canvassing on social media during this crucial period.
Furthermore, the Commission has queried whether print media should fall within the realm of Section 126(1)(b), which prohibits the display of election matter in a series of mediums during the same 48-hour window.
Debate on Election Expenditure Ceilings
Presently, Indian election laws provide a limit for individual candidate expenditure but not for the parties. The Commission has requested party feedback regarding a potential ceiling on overall party election spending. It also seeks views on introducing an expenditure ceiling for Legislative Council elections, where unaccounted money often floods campaigns.
Voting Options for Migrants and Absentee Voters
The Commission has initiated dialogue about alternative voting methods for domestic migrants and absentee voters. It has encouraged parties to consider options such as postal, proxy, and e-voting to ensure that these sections of the electorate are not left out.
Increasing Women Representation in Lok Sabha
With women making up only 11.9% of the 16th Lok Sabha, significantly lower than the global average of 22.9%, the Commission has expressed concern about female representation in Parliament. It has brought up the lapsed Women’s Reservation Bill 2008, which proposed a Constitutional amendment to reserve 33% of Lok Sabha and state legislative assembly seats for women.
Suggestions by Election Commission
For party expenditure, the Commission has recommended to the Law Ministry that limits should be set at either 50% of the expenditure ceiling limit for candidates or an amount not exceeding the product of this ceiling and the number of party candidates. It has proposed measures such as linking voter ID and Aadhar, introducing a one-time voluntary registration system for domestic migrants, and establishing electoral support services and a helpline for migrants. It also stressed on the importance of encouraging women’s representation within the structure of political parties.
Steps Taken by Online Platforms
Online giants Google and Facebook have agreed to collaborate with the Election Commission (EC) to monitor online political advertisements and track parties’ online expenses. Google will develop a pre-certification mechanism for political ads and share data regarding ad-related expenses. Facebook has committed to removing election-related content 48 hours before the election, combating fake news, and sharing details of expenditure on election ads.
About the Election Commission
The Election Commission of India is a permanent Constitutional Body established on 25th January 1950. The Constitution entrusts it with the superintendence, direction, and control of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President of India. Currently, the Commission is made up of the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners.
