Examine the need for electoral reforms as suggested by various committees with particular reference to “one nation – one election” principle.

Article 324 constitution talks about an Election Commission to conduct election to Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state assemblies, President & Vice president.

Provisions in constitutions :-

(i) EC strength = 1 Chief EC & other ECs as determined by President. (ii) Appointed by President. (iii) CEC = equal among equals - decision by consensus = equal powers + salary + emoluments. (iv) Conditions of service + tenure = determined by President. (v) Hold office for 6yrs/65yrs, whichever earlier.

Need for Reforming the ECI (i) no qualifications prescribed by the Constitution, neither term. (ii) no debarr on future appointment (iii) no role of opposition & states. (iv) no legal powers to ECI -> deregister of political parties, violations.

Dinesh Goswami & 2nd ARC have put forward certain recommendations like Collegium system for appointment, expand diversity of members, law for election of E, separate funding outside law ministry etc.