ABSTRACT
The successful management of a modem election in a country with over 500 million electors is a complex administrative undertaking, which must be carefully planned and supervised. Though the election machinery in India should be credited for conducting elections of such magnitude at very short notice in a “free,” “fair,” and peaceful manner, there are still certain aspects of the system that need streamlining. The 1985 reform effort fell short of the basic need to minimize the role of money, particularly use of “dirty money” in the election process. The Tarkunde committee had earlier recommended that all recognized political parties should be required by law to keep full and accurate accounts, including their sources and details of expenditure. Many electoral reform efforts in India have not supported the state-funding proposal, but have suggested instead that certain facilities, like printing, postage, and telephone, be provided free of charge to all candidates.
