28 reforms in six-month to modernise elections in India

In a bold move to strengthen the country’s democratic framework, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has implemented around 28 sweeping reforms over six months. These steps span stakeholder engagement, technology adoption, intensive electoral roll revision, easier voting, and institutional capacity building for future elections.

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According to the ECI sources, these reforms, structured around six strategic pillars, aim to enhance transparency, voter confidence, and institutional efficiency across the electoral process in the country.

Stakeholder engagement gains momentum: 4,719 all-party meetings were held nationwide, engaging more than 28,000 political representatives, ensuring inclusivity in electoral planning. The Commission also conducted 20 high-level meetings with party presidents and senior state/national leaders to foster better coordination.

System strengthening and clean-up: At least 476 inactive Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) were identified for delisting, with 334 already removed in phase one. Roles of 28 election stakeholders mapped to relevant laws and regulations for better accountability. Photo ID cards issued to BLOs to boost transparency. EVM microcontroller verification SOPs were introduced for 5% of machines post-results. National legal conferences held with counsels and CEOs to improve ECI’s legal framework. International outreach through meetings with global Election Management Bodies conducted during the IDEA Stockholm Conference.

Tech-driven transformation: ECINET, a one-stop digital platform, was launched by integrating more than 40 existing ECI apps/websites. Hundred percent webcasting is mandated at polling stations for real-time monitoring. Real-time voter turnout updates were planned to be provided every two hours via the ECINET App. Digital Index Cards are now available at the constituency level for easy access to election data. Mandatory VVPAT slip count enforced in cases of data mismatch or unerased mock poll data.

Electoral roll purification: Special intensive revision of voter rolls completed in Bihar. Summary roll revision conducted before bypolls in four states—first such move in two decades. Death registration data linked with voter rolls for automatic updates. Duplicate EPIC numbers eliminated nationwide. EPIC delivery SOP ensures cards are issued within 15 days, with SMS alerts to voters at each stage.

Enhancing ease of voting: Mobile phone deposit counters set up outside polling stations. Polling station voter cap set at 1,200 to reduce crowding and queues. Clearer Voter Information Slips (VIS) were introduced with enhanced formatting. Candidate booths were allowed beyond 100 meters from polling stations for voter facilitation.

Capacity building for officials & stakeholders: Over 7,000 BLOs and supervisors trained at IIIDEM, New Delhi. Remuneration was increased for BLOs, supervisors, and polling staff. First-time honorariums introduced for EROs and AEROs. Training for Booth Level Agents (BLAs) was conducted in Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. Media and police training sessions are held to ensure smooth electoral communication and law enforcement. Internal upgrades were introduced, which include biometric attendance, e-Office migration, and relocation to IIIDEM for operational efficiency.