Reforming India’s Electoral System: Towards Fair and Accountable Governance

Reforming India’s Electoral System: Towards Fair and Accountable Governance

Rethinking India’s Electoral System: A Hybrid Approach for Sustained Accountability

The concept of "One Nation, One Election" has garnered attention for its potential to streamline India's electoral process, reduce costs, and ensure synchronized governance. However, while the idea of simultaneous elections may seem promising, it also poses risks—chief among them the possibility of unbalanced power dynamics and compromised representation. The core issue lies not only in election frequency but in the quality of elected representatives and the continuous accountability they must uphold. This article proposes a hybrid electoral system that balances national and state elections while addressing critical concerns of governance, representation, and public trust.

A Hybrid Electoral Model

India's electoral landscape could benefit from a structured, staggered approach. A model where national elections are held simultaneously for half of the states, while the remaining half undergo state elections every two-and-a-half years, ensures ongoing accountability. This would allow voters to voice their approval or disapproval of governance without having to wait for the next general election cycle. For instance, if voters in a particular state express dissatisfaction with the ruling party during their state elections, the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) members from that state could be required to seek the confidence of the newly elected state government.

 

This hybrid system offers the benefit of fixed election dates, providing a stable and predictable governance cycle. Changing election dates would only be permissible in extraordinary circumstances beyond human control, thus removing the potential for political manipulation.

Empowering Continuous Accountability

In this proposed model, the Prime Minister (PM) would provide a long-term vision for the nation while forming a cabinet of ministers to manage specific bureaucratic departments. However, the PM and their team would need ongoing parliamentary approval for funding to ensure alignment with the elected representatives' vision. Similarly, elections to the Rajya Sabha would be tied to the staggered state election cycle. This approach would enhance the importance of state elections while ensuring continuous accountability for the national assembly.

Rajya Sabha members must meet high standards—requiring advanced education, legal expertise, and the ability to engage in meaningful policy debates. This body would not only serve as a legislative check but also have the power to impeach the PM and other key decision-makers. By doing so, India can ensure that only qualified individuals hold critical positions in the nation’s decision-making process.

Ensuring Fair and Transparent Elections

The integrity of India’s electoral process is paramount to the success of any governance model. To maintain fairness, an independent committee should appoint the Election Commission of India (ECI), comprising members from diverse backgrounds and religions. This independent board would prevent political interference and restore public confidence in the electoral system. If political manipulation is detected, the Chief Justice of India would have the authority to take swift corrective action.

Additionally, electronic voting systems should undergo rigorous testing by independent technology teams to ensure the security and accuracy of each vote. One proposed safeguard is a dual-paper voting system, where each vote is printed twice—one copy is kept securely at the voting site, and the other remains with the government for verification. To prevent voter fraud, a biometric check using voice samples could be implemented, ensuring that voters cannot cast multiple votes.

Enhancing the Separation of Powers

The separation of powers between elected officials and the bureaucracy must be redefined. Public servants, selected based on their expertise and education, should be empowered to implement policies without undue interference from politicians. Additionally, the role of Governors—often viewed as central government appointees—should be reconsidered. Directly electing Chief Ministers (CMs) through state-wide votes could address this concern, giving CMs the authority of both the Governor and the head of the state bureaucracy.

Under this system, CMs would also be granted veto power over legislation they believe would harm the state's interests. Such a structure could help address long-standing regional issues, as local leaders would be empowered to effect meaningful change for their constituents without fear of external interference.

Exploring Broader Reforms

If successful at the state level, India could consider more extensive reforms, such as eliminating the office of the President and transitioning to a direct election of the PM. Voters could rank two PM candidates in order of preference, ensuring that the elected PM holds a clear majority mandate. This system would enhance the legitimacy of the PM’s leadership, enabling them to form a team that manages government funds efficiently and effectively.

Conclusion

By adopting a hybrid electoral system that combines national and state elections, India can promote continuous accountability, streamline governance, and empower its citizens. These proposed reforms, which include strengthening the role of the Rajya Sabha, enhancing election integrity, and reconsidering the separation of powers, aim to create a transparent, accountable, and efficient electoral system. Through thoughtful debate and consensus, India can move towards a more inclusive and progressive democracy that genuinely reflects the needs and aspirations of its citizens.