November 26, 2001

       The process of reform of electoral laws is a continuous and ongoing process. It is necessary to evolve a consensus among the political parties if a comprehensive legislation for electoral reforms is to be brought forward, which is a time consuming process. Hence, the Government has been bringing forward various legislations to enact proposals in this regard as and when political consensus has been reached on different issues so that the process of reform of electoral laws continues. Some of the laws enacted in this regard are : The Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections (Amendment) Act, 1997, the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 1998 and the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 1999. Further, the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 1999, seeking to provide for an additional facility to the members of the Armed Forces etc to vote through the system of proxy at elections, is pending in Lok Sanha for consideration and passing. The Government has also given a notice for introduction in the current session of Rajya Sabha of a new Bill, namely, the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2001 seeking to substitute open ballot system in place of the existing secret ballot system in elections to the Council of States and to do away with the requirement of residence of a particular State/Union Territory for contesting election to the Council of States from that State/ Union Territory.