Introduction

India’s electoral process faces challenges like frequent elections, financial burden, and governance disruption. Electoral reforms, including the “One Nation – One Election” principle, are widely debated.

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1.Need for Electoral Reforms

i.Frequent Elections: State and general elections held separately lead to a continuous election cycle, disrupting governance and increasing administrative costs.

ii.Financial Burden: Election expenditure is substantial. For example, the 2019 general election cost over ₹60,000 crore.

iii.Criminalization and Corruption: Committees like the Law Commission (255th Report) highlight rising use of money power and muscle power.

iv.Low Voter Turnout: Electoral reforms like mandatory voter education and digital voting can enhance participation.