The Election Commission of India (ECI) is currently reviewing approximately 70 suggestions from various political parties, signaling a proactive approach to potential electoral reforms. This comprehensive review focuses significantly on enhancing the transparency and digitization of electoral rolls, aiming to streamline the election process and boost voter participation.

Several parties, including the BJP and SP, have proposed specific measures to improve the integrity of electoral rolls. These suggestions include hiring trained professionals for electoral roll revisions and providing monthly updates to ensure the rolls are current and accurate. The emphasis on digitization aims to make voter information more accessible and readily verifiable, reducing the potential for errors and fraudulent entries.

However, the proposals under consideration also touch upon more complex and contentious issues. One such issue is the linkage of Aadhaar numbers to voter IDs. While proponents argue that this linkage would help eliminate duplicate registrations and further clean up the electoral rolls, concerns remain regarding privacy and potential disenfranchisement of vulnerable populations who may not have Aadhaar cards. The ECI is carefully weighing the potential benefits against these risks to ensure any decision aligns with constitutional principles and protects the rights of all citizens.

Another area of concern revolves around the financial burden placed on candidates to publish their criminal records in newspapers and media outlets. Some parties argue that this requirement is overly onerous and disproportionately affects candidates with limited resources. The ECI is considering alternative approaches to ensure voters are informed about the criminal history of candidates without imposing undue financial strain. This might involve leveraging digital platforms and government websites to disseminate information more efficiently and cost-effectively.

Furthermore, calls for impartiality in the appointment of election commissioners are also under consideration. Ensuring the independence and neutrality of the ECI is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral process. Proposals to modify the appointment procedure aim to create a more transparent and balanced selection process, reducing the potential for political influence. Currently, the President appoints election commissioners based on the recommendation of a selection committee.

In addition to these specific issues, the ECI is also examining broader reforms to strengthen the electoral process. These include measures to regulate political funding, address the increasing criminalization of politics, and enhance voter education. Improving transparency in political donations, for instance, is seen as vital for promoting accountability and reducing the influence of black money in elections. The ECI is exploring mechanisms to ensure equitable distribution of funds and stricter ceilings on candidate expenditure.

Recognizing the importance of accessible elections, the ECI has also revised the maximum number of electors per polling station from 1,500 to 1,200. Additional polling booths are being established in densely populated areas such as gated communities and high-rise buildings to minimize travel distance for voters. Moreover, a mobile phone deposit facility will be available at the entrance of every polling station to enhance voter convenience.

Recent initiatives by the ECI demonstrate a commitment to leveraging technology for improved electoral management. The introduction of the ECINET app for real-time voter turnout reporting and the integration of death registration data to remove deceased electors from the rolls are examples of such efforts. The ECI has also been actively conducting training programs for election staff and engaging with political parties and other stakeholders to foster a more inclusive and participatory electoral process.

Moreover, as part of broader electoral reforms, the ECI has initiated proceedings to delist 345 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) that have remained inactive for the past six years. This decision, announced by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, targets parties that have failed to contest even a single election since 2019 and whose offices could not be physically located.