Which of the following are the issues of debate in electoral politics?
A. Electronic voting machine
B. One nation, one election
C. Single-member election commission
D. Introduction of the two-children norm for eligibility to contest local elections
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct option is C

Several issues have been the subject of debate in electoral politics in India. These include:
· A. Electronic Voting Machine (EVM): The reliability and security of EVMs have been a matter of ongoing debate. Allegations of tampering, malfunction, or hacking have led to widespread discussion about the transparency and fairness of elections using EVMs.
· B. One Nation, One Election: This proposal seeks to hold simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and all state legislative assemblies. It is a subject of debate due to concerns about the logistical challenges, potential impact on federalism, and the costs associated with holding separate elections.
· D. Introduction of the two-children norm for eligibility to contest local elections: This policy has been implemented in some states for local body elections and remains a topic of debate due to its social and demographic implications, particularly regarding women’s rights and the exclusion of large sections of society from contesting elections.
Option C is incorrect because the debate around a single-member election commission does not exist in the same capacity. The Election Commission of India is already a multi-member body with a Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners. The focus has been on maintaining the autonomy and transparency of this institution rather than moving to a single-member structure.
Information Booster:
1. EVM Debate: Concerns about the vulnerability of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to tampering have sparked ongoing debates about the need for reforms, such as Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).
2. One Nation, One Election: Advocates argue that it could reduce election costs and avoid the perpetual election mode, while critics point to the potential undermining of federalism and logistical challenges.
3. Two-Children Norm: This policy restricts individuals with more than two children from contesting local body elections in some states. It is debated for its potential impact on marginalized groups.
4. Election Commission: The Election Commission of India functions as a multi-member body, and debates around it generally concern its autonomy, powers, and impartiality rather than transitioning to a single-member structure.
5. Election Reforms: Various electoral reforms, such as transparency in political funding, criminalization of politics, and voter turnout, are ongoing discussions in India's electoral system.
6. Federalism and Elections: The One Nation, One Election debate raises concerns about how simultaneous elections might affect the federal structure of India.
Additional Information:
· A (Electronic Voting Machines): Ongoing debate over their security and transparency, leading to calls for reforms like VVPAT.
· B (One Nation, One Election): A proposal that seeks to synchronize national and state elections to reduce costs and election fatigue, though concerns about federalism remain.
· C (Single-member Election Commission): Incorrect, as the Election Commission is already a multi-member body, and the debate is focused on its independence.
· D (Two-children norm): A policy aimed at population control, it raises concerns over the exclusion of individuals from political participation based on family size, especially impacting women and marginalized communities.