| Syllabus: GS-II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Election and RPA, Issue: Election Process |
Corruption in electoral funding:
- Corruption in elections has been a longstanding issue.
- Past attempts at reform like the Indrajit Gupta committee’s recommendations falling short due to lack of internal party democracy.
- State funding of elections is not favored due to difficulty in monitoring expenses and potential for abuse by non-serious candidates.
The way to ensure clean electoral funding:
- Funding political parties based on electoral performance, to promote transparency and reduce dependence on corporate donations.
- Total ban on corporate donations and independent audit of party accounts to curb crony capitalism.
- Establish a National Election Fund to replace electoral trusts.
- allowing private entities to donate with tax concessions, and reducing fear of reprisal.
- Many countries worldwide already provide state funds to political parties based on vote share, suggesting feasibility for India.
| +1 Advantage for Mains (case study)A 2012 study by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance:
·       Out of 180 countries studied, 71 nations provide state funds to political parties based on their vote share. ·       This system is prevalent in 86% of European countries, 71% in Africa, 63% in the Americas, and 58% in Asia. ·       The prevalence of state funding for political parties underscores its widespread acceptance and implementation globally. |
