Role of the Election Commission (EC) in Ensuring Internal Democracy
The EC registers political parties and monitors their adherence to constitutional by-laws.
It ensures that parties conduct regular elections for their office bearers, promoting internal democracy.
The EC cannot deregister a party solely for failing to hold elections, as per a 2002 Supreme Court ruling. It can only act in cases of fraud.
Challenges Faced by the EC
The EC's core mandate focuses on conducting elections rather than regulating internal party democracy, making its role in enforcing democracy challenging.
Political parties often resist internal reforms and can manipulate elections to maintain control, resulting in uncompetitive environments.
If the EC becomes involved in party politics, it risks losing its neutral stance and credibility, which could lead to distrust among parties and voters.
Way Forward
The EC should prioritize executing its primary role effectively before expanding its mandate to regulate internal democracy.
Voters should hold parties accountable by choosing not to support those lacking internal democracy, fostering change from the electorate.
Establishing mechanisms for transparency within parties can promote accountability and democratic practices, while the EC monitors compliance with existing rules.
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