Topic: The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders
Q4. How do civil society organisations contribute to strengthening electoral democracy in India? Assess their role in promoting transparency and accountability. Propose measures to enhance their institutional effectiveness. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: IE
Why the question
The role of civil society in electoral reforms has been highlighted by ADR’s activism and recent Supreme Court judgments on electoral bonds and election commission appointments. It remains a crucial theme for democratic accountability.Key Demand of the question
The question asks you to explain how civil society organisations strengthen electoral democracy, analyse their specific role in promoting transparency and accountability, and suggest measures to make them more effective.Structure of the Answer:
Introduction
Briefly define the role of CSOs as democratic intermediaries that complement constitutional bodies in ensuring free and fair elections.Body
- Contribution to strengthening electoral democracy – awareness, voter inclusion, reform advocacy.
- Role in promoting transparency and accountability – finance disclosure, candidate scrutiny, RTI advocacy.
- Measures to enhance institutional effectiveness – legal protection, funding, collaboration with ECI, oversight.
Conclusion
CSOs should be recognised as partners in deepening participatory democracy, with state support to enhance their watchdog role.
