ECI's Electoral Reforms and Challenges in Upcoming State Elections

The Hindu - Opinion · 31 Mar 2026 · 2 min read
Prelims · Polity Mains · GS2 Governance High relevance

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is implementing stringent measures to ensure free and fair elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, addressing issues like electoral rolls revision, security deployment, and inducement-free polling.

Key points

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has been conducted in the five states, reducing discrepancies but sparking political tensions between state governments and the central ruling party.

The ECI is deploying over 25 lakh officials, including 8.5 lakh security personnel, to manage 2.19 lakh polling stations, ensuring one official per 70 electors in these elections.

Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act mandates that election officials' allegiance lies solely with the ECI, addressing concerns about neutrality.

[GS2-Governance] The ECI's transfer of senior administrative and police officials aims to ensure impartiality, though states like West Bengal have criticized these moves as overreach.

The ECI has reduced polling phases in West Bengal from eight in 2021 to two in the current elections, reflecting improved election management and security arrangements.

4Ms strategy (Money, Muscle, Misinformation, MCC violations) is being enforced, with ₹10,000 crore worth of inducements seized during the 2024 general elections, three times the 2019 figure.

[GS3-Security] Live webcasting of all polling stations has been mandated to curb violence, particularly in West Bengal, which has a history of post-poll violence.

Electoral inducements remain a challenge, with Tamil Nadu accounting for nearly half of the ₹1,000 crore seized in 2021, prompting enhanced surveillance by 5,200 static and flying squads.

Way Forward: The ECI should institutionalize pre-poll audits of electoral rolls, establish an independent grievance redressal mechanism for transferred officials, and leverage blockchain technology for transparent monitoring of campaign finances.

Key terms

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

A comprehensive revision of electoral rolls conducted by the Election Commission of India to eliminate discrepancies like duplicate entries, deceased voters, and ineligible inclusions. It ensures the integrity of the electoral process but often becomes politically contentious due to its impact on voter demographics.

Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act

A legal provision that binds all election officials to follow the directives of the Election Commission of India exclusively, ensuring their neutrality and insulating them from political interference during elections.

4Ms strategy

The Election Commission's framework to combat electoral malpractices: Money (illegal cash and inducements), Muscle (violence and intimidation), Misinformation (fake news and polarizing content), and Model Code of Conduct violations. It represents a holistic approach to ensuring free and fair elections.

Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

A set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to regulate political parties and candidates during elections. It covers campaigning norms, speech restrictions, and resource usage, enforceable from announcement to result declaration, though violations often occur with limited consequences.