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Reforms in Political Parties (Democratic Politics-II)

Political parties are pillars of democracy. They organise public opinion, contest elections, and form governments. But they also face challenges. Examples include lack of internal democracy, money power, criminalization, and dynastic control. So, reforms are needed. Reforms make parties more transparent, accountable, and representative. Let’s learn, with clear points, simple examples, and a bit of fun!

Below are key points:

  1. Legal Measures
  2. Greater Transparency
  3. Promoting Inner-party Democracy
  4. Promoting Citizen Participation

1) Legal Measures

These are reforms made through laws, rules, and orders. The goal is to change incentives. The result is cleaner politics.

  • a) Anti-defection Law (Tenth Schedule)
    • What it is: The 52nd Constitutional Amendment (1985) added the Tenth Schedule. It prevents elected representatives from switching parties for personal gain. The 91st Amendment (2003) further tightened it.
    • Why it matters: It reduces “Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram” politics. It stabilizes governments.
    • Important: If an MLA/MP voluntarily gives up party membership or disobeys the party whip on key votes, they can lose their seat.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: An MLA of Party A votes against Party A during a no-confidence motion without permission. The Speaker can disqualify the MLA.
      • Example 2: A group tries to defect in bulk. They now need a valid merger as per law. Otherwise, disqualification can follow.
      • Example 3: In many states, Speakers have disqualified members after they crossed the floor. It sent a strong signal to others.
  • b) Registration and Recognition by the Election Commission (ECI)
    • What it is: Parties must register under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Recognition (state or national) depends on performance in elections.
    • Why it matters: Registration and recognition bring rules, symbols, and accountability.
    • Important: Recognized parties get reserved symbols and other benefits. But they must follow ECI guidelines.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: A new group registers as a political party. They submit their party constitution, office-bearers list, and rules to ECI.
      • Example 2: A party becomes a “state party” after reaching vote/seat thresholds in that state. It then gets a reserved symbol there.
      • Example 3: Parties must file audited accounts and contribution reports to keep recognition benefits.
  • c) Declaration of Assets, Liabilities, and Criminal Cases
    • What it is: The Supreme Court (2002) and ECI require candidates to file affidavits. They must disclose criminal cases, assets, income, and liabilities.
    • Why it matters: Voters can make informed choices. Media and NGOs can verify claims.
    • Important: False declarations can invite legal action.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: A candidate declares pending criminal cases in the affidavit. Voters see this on the ECI website.
      • Example 2: A candidate reports total assets and loans. Citizens compare this with previous elections to spot sudden jumps.
      • Example 3: NGOs like ADR publish easy summaries. This helps first-time voters understand.
  • d) Limit on Election Expenditure
    • What it is: ECI sets spending limits for candidates. Limits can be revised over time.
    • Why it matters: It reduces the influence of big money. It encourages fair competition.
    • Important: Overspending is illegal. Use of black money can lead to action by ECI and income tax authorities.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: In 2019, the limit for a Lok Sabha candidate in most states was about ₹70 lakhs. Candidates had to maintain accounts and submit proofs.
      • Example 2: Flying squads seize unaccounted cash during elections. This curbs illegal expenditure.
      • Example 3: A candidate’s account is rejected for poor records. The ECI can take action, including disqualification in severe cases.
  • e) No appeal to religion/caste for votes; names and symbols under scrutiny
    • What it is: Section 123(3) of the RPA treats appeals to religion, caste, etc., for votes as a corrupt practice. The ECI also scrutinizes party names and symbols that may inflame divisions.
    • Why it matters: It protects secular and inclusive campaigning.
    • Important: Absolute “bans” on party names are tricky in law. But appeals to religion for votes are clearly illegal. The ECI can refuse names/symbols that are divisive.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: A candidate asks voters to support them “in the name of religion.” This can be challenged as a corrupt practice.
      • Example 2: The ECI can warn or penalize leaders for hate speeches.
      • Example 3: Parties proposing names/symbols that could stir disharmony may be asked to change them.

2) Greater Transparency

Transparency means open information. People can see what parties do. This builds trust.

  • a) Public Disclosure of Finances
    • What it is: Parties should publish funding sources and spending details. Donations above a threshold must be declared.
    • Why it matters: Citizens can “follow the money.”
    • Important: Current rules require disclosure of donations above a certain amount. Loopholes exist. Reforms aim to close them.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: A party uploads its donations list annually. Students can download and read it.
      • Example 2: Journalists compare spending on rallies vs. media ads. They ask tough questions.
      • Example 3: Citizens spot a large corporate donation. They debate if policies were influenced.
  • b) Audited Annual Accounts
    • What it is: Parties must maintain proper accounts. Independent auditors verify them. Reports are submitted to ECI and tax authorities.
    • Why it matters: Audits deter misuse. They improve internal discipline.
    • Important: Tax exemptions depend on proper filings.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: A party’s audit report lists income heads like donations, membership fees, coupons, and interest.
      • Example 2: An auditor flags irregular cash entries. The party must explain or correct.
      • Example 3: Non-compliance leads to public criticism and legal notices.
  • c) Transparency in Candidate Selection
    • What it is: Parties should announce clear criteria for tickets. Merit, service record, and clean image should matter more than money or muscle.
    • Why it matters: It reduces nepotism and criminalization.
    • Important: Parties can publish short bios and reasons for selection.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: A party states its criteria: clean record, local work, and public feedback.
      • Example 2: A party refuses a ticket to a “strongman” with serious charges. It nominates a teacher with community service instead.
      • Example 3: Parties hold primaries or internal votes in some constituencies.
  • d) Use of Information Technology
    • What it is: Put party accounts, decisions, and candidate data online. Use portals for donations. Share manifestos and meeting minutes.
    • Why it matters: IT makes access easy and fast. It enables real-time scrutiny.
    • Important: ECI apps like cVIGIL allow citizens to report violations with photos/videos.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: A party’s website shows a dashboard of donations and expenses. Students can explore graphs.
      • Example 2: Live-streamed press meets and town halls show how decisions are made.
      • Example 3: Citizens upload a violation on cVIGIL. The flying squad responds quickly.

3) Promoting Inner-party Democracy

Democracy must live inside parties too. Leaders should be chosen fairly. Decisions should be collective.

  • a) Regular Organizational Elections
    • What it is: Parties should hold periodic elections for all posts. This includes President, General Secretary, and committees.
    • Why it matters: It prevents concentration of power. It brings fresh ideas.
    • Important: Party constitutions should fix timelines and procedures.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: Congress conducted an election for its national president (e.g., Mallikarjun Kharge vs Shashi Tharoor).
      • Example 2: Parties like CPI(M) hold party congresses at fixed intervals with delegate voting.
      • Example 3: Local district units elect office-bearers through secret ballots.
  • b) Inclusive Decision-making
    • What it is: Policies should be discussed in committees. Feedback should come from grassroots workers.
    • Why it matters: Diverse views reduce mistakes. Coalition partners get a voice.
    • Important: Minutes of key meetings can be summarized publicly.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: A coalition like NDA/UPA discusses a common minimum programme before forming a government.
      • Example 2: A party invites district presidents to a policy workshop. It collects written inputs.
      • Example 3: Manifesto committees hold public consultations on education and health.
  • c) Rotation and Term Limits for Leadership
    • What it is: Fix maximum terms or ages for certain posts. Encourage rotation across regions and communities.
    • Why it matters: It prevents monopoly. It trains the next generation.
    • Important: Many democracies use leadership contests to refresh teams.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: UK parties replace leaders through internal elections when support falls.
      • Example 2: A party fixes two consecutive terms for district president. Then the post rotates.
      • Example 3: A parliamentary board brings in new faces after each election.
  • d) Encouraging Youth and Women Participation
    • What it is: Reserve a share of party posts for women and youth. Create active wings and mentorship.
    • Why it matters: It reflects India’s young population. It improves representation.
    • Important: Some parties voluntarily target 33% or more for women in tickets. This complements the Women’s Reservation law in local bodies and the proposed seat reservation in legislatures.
    • Examples:
      • Example 1: A party’s women’s wing trains candidates on campaigning and media.
      • Example 2: Biju Janata Dal gave 33% Lok Sabha tickets to women in Odisha in ...

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