The success of parliamentary democracy depends upon the political stability which lies in the pure and honest electoral system. Democracy is the will of the people and their opinion is sacred. Hence it is said that the “Voice of the people is voice of the God”. It ensures impartial, free and fair elections through ballot papers but not bullets. In this regard, many committees were appointed by the successive Governments. 

The most important among them are:

1. V.K Tarkunde Committee (1974 -75) 

2. Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990) 

3. Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer Committee (1994) 

4. Wanchoo Committee 

5. Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998) 

6. Justice Kuldeep Singh Committee (2002) 

7. Law Committee Reports.

On the basis of recommendations of these committees, the respective Governments have implemented the following reforms.

1. Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC): The Elector’s Photo Identity Card was introduced by the Chief Commissioner T. N.Sheshan (1990-1996) to conduct free and fair elections to remove the evil practices like corruption and impersonation (bogus voting) etc. It was introduced in India in the year 1993. Arrangements were made to issue EPIC to U prevent impersonation of electors.

Initially, it was difficult to issue identity cards to all the voters due to some technical problems. But, during the term of M.S Gill, the possession of EPIC by the voters was made compulsory. It is an official document issued by the Election Commission to all the eligible voters. It consists of information of voter’s age, name, photo, gender, address, constituency, date of issue etc.

2. Electronic Voting Machine (EVM): The Electronic Voting Machine is one of the important innovations of modern technology. It has replaced the system of ballot box and ballot papers with the most effective Electronic Voting Machine. The EVMs were introduced for the first time in 1998 in the Legislative Assembly Elections of some States and it was successful. Later during the 14th Lok Shaba elections, they were used all over India.

EVM consists of a Controlling Unit and a Balloting unit which are interconnected with a cable. The balloting unit is kept in the place where voters exercise votes. The Controlling Unit is with the Polling Officer. After the voters prove their identity, by pressing the blue button on the balloting unit against the candidate’s symbol, they cast their vote. With the beeping sound the voting procedure is completed.

Uses of Electronic Voting Machine

1. EVM can be easily operated and saves time. 

2. It is simple to the voter to cast vote. 

3. Quick and accurate results. 

4. Economic and eco-friendly. 

5. Avoids invalid votes.

6. Control of irregularities.