For as long as we can remember, the discussion on electoral reforms has centred on the removal of two perceived evils: muscle power and money power. The fight against intimidation and harassment of voters has been an ongoing venture.

In staggering elections over multiple phases and deploying Central forces - insulated from local pressures - in large numbers at 'sensitive' booths, the Election Commission has helped ensure that the will of the people is expressed in the vote.

At the same time, the use of EC-issued identity cards and the electronic voting machines has helped check distortions arising from booth capturing and ballot stuffing - both widely prevalent in some parts of India till the early 1990s.

Swapan Dasgupta on electoral reforms. Do read