The Election Commission of India has a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy. Highlighting challenges associated with the functioning of ECI, suggest measures to reform the system.

Article 324 of Indian Constitution provides for an independent Election Commission of India ECI to conduct free and fair elections in our country. It play a vital role in building a robust framework of electoral democracy in India by performing various functions like → Ensures representative democracy → conduct periodic elections Implement Model Code of Conduct MCC Register political parties (on 24109, 4TA 1951) Prepare/revise electoral rolls However, various challenges associated with ECI have been highlighted in recent times → 1. No power to deregister political party. [CCI party form] → Money Laundering → Tax evasion Shell company 2. Misguided manipulation of CVIS → troubles in issue. 3. Addiction of political bias on ECI → penalizing ruling party even if they violate MCC. 4. ECI's cleansure to allow transfers during brief faced criticism. 5. Hawkers associated with Criminalization [24(1)]

6. Anonymity of non-transparency in electoral bonds → seriale hidden Electoral bonds: Home lack of informed decision making by public. In the wake of these challenges, reforms are needed in ECI → 1. Give powers to ECI to deregister parties. 2. Collegium system for appointment to ECI → Transparency (S 4 request). 3. Procedure of removal of Election Commissioners should be made at par with CEC. 4. Entire expense of ECI-shonned be made charged out of LPI → ensure neutrality of body. 5. District Forward committee → ECI showed have the powers for speedy trails of electoral offences (en: acquittal notice 4 pages but took courts 1st). ECI working in free & fair manner will ensure keep in preventing the democratic ethos, hence reforms should be taken for footing.

— Lavanya Gaur · AIR 57