Dr. Chandrakanthi .L & Naveen .J, University Law College & Department of Studies In Law, Bangalore University
ABSTRACT
India is the world’s largest democracy, the roots of this strong democracy is found in the system of Election. Elections can be termed to be the voice of the people, judgment of the people and also as a mode of expressing discontent towards the ruling government. In spite of knowing the importance of elections certain unhealthy patterns have emerged in the process of elections in the country, which has to be addressed in an effective way to make Election Mechanism a more meaningful one. Till the present day, there has not been enough transparency in certain election related issues such as the assets of the contesting candidates, expenditure made by the candidates for the elections, previous criminal records of candidates, breach of the code of conduct in election campaign, distribution of money, etc.
Election Commission of India is an autonomous, All India body established under the Article 324 of the Indian Constitution to ensure impartial and fair elections. It has jurisdiction and supervision over conducting elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, Offices of the President and Vice President and also given the power of superintendence, control and preparation of electoral rolls for these elections. There are many occasions in the past where the Commission has acted in a vigilant way to uphold the fair and just methods of election. In this paper an attempt has been made to examine the functioning of Election Commission in ensuring transparency of election.
Keywords: Election, election-issues, Article 324, Election Commission, Transparency.
