Electoral Reforms With Special Reference To Party Funding In India

S. Nivedha, BA.LLB (Hons), Sastra Deemed University

INTRODUCTION

India is one of the largest democratic countries in the world. To ensure this democracy is not only in its preamble but also in spirits, our country assures free and fair elections which form the core of people’s government. Democratic government is run by the representatives of the people, who are elected by the citizens of our country whom they feel will bring a change and enhance their quality of living. Such an impression is carefully made by the political parties contesting elections through their rigorous campaigning, canvassing, and addressing serious issues in media promising a better future, to pitch their objectives and implement outputs. For the above expenses, parties receive voluntary contributions from individuals and business corporations which is a major concern under electoral reforms as it paves the way to route hefty amounts of black money. This very process of raising funds from the public for campaigns and to carry out day-to-day activities by political parties is called party funding. This paper will discuss electoral reforms with a special focus on party funding highlighting the issues, controversies, and opinions.