Examine the major suggestions of Electoral Reforms. How is the President of India elected ? What are the powers of the President of India ?
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Answer:
The various reports of committees on electoral reforms particularly the Goswami Committee Report (1990) and the Tarkunde Committee Report (1975) have so far not led to substantial changes in electoral system and law. It seems that political parties are indifferent to electoral reforms.
In some cases parties in the name of electoral reforms have tried to neutralize the steps taken by the Election Commission or judiciary to bring in some desired changes. The latest example in this regard is consensus among all parties in their July 2002 meeting to water down the directives given by Supreme Court and followed by the Election Commission to debar criminals from contesting elections and candidates to provide information about their assets, qualification etc.
Nevertheless it is now widely recognized that in order to preserve and strengthen the democratic setup a comprehensive agenda of reforms is necessary.
Electoral reforms include reforms in the system, structure and processes. They are required to:
(i) Check criminalization of politics.
(ii) Curb use of money and muscle power in election.
(iii) Regulate the functioning of political parties.
(iv) Provide reasonable representation to various sections of society, including women in Parliament and State Legislatures.
(v) Ensure voter participation and voter awareness.
(vi) Make the election machinery effective and credible.
The President of India is elected by the Members of an Electoral College consisting of (a) the elected members of both Houses of Parliament and (b) the elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the States [including National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry vide the Constitution .
The Constitution explicitly assigns the president the power to sign or veto legislation, command the armed forces, ask for the written opinion of their Cabinet, convene or adjourn Congress, grant reprieves and pardons, and receive ambassadors.
Explanation: