The Broken Foundation · Chapter Three
We have the world's largest democracy and the world's most expensive elections. The two facts are not unrelated. When democracy has a price tag only the corrupt can afford, the corrupt are the only ones who run.
| Indicator | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of 2024 general election | ₹1.35 lakh crore | CMS 2024 |
| MPs with declared criminal cases | 46% | ADR 2024 |
| MPs with serious criminal cases | 29% | ADR 2024 |
| Electoral bonds total value | ₹20,000+ crore | SC EB 2024 |
| 2024 voter turnout | 66.3% | ECI 2024 |
| BJP 2024 vote share (majority govt) | ~36.6% | ECI 2024 |
The Supreme Court struck down the electoral bond scheme in February 2024 as unconstitutional — finding it violated voters' right to information. But ₹20,000 crore had already flowed from corporations to parties under legally mandated secrecy. [SC EB 2024]
Even if NOTA receives the highest votes in a constituency, the candidate with the next highest total wins. NOTA cannot trigger a fresh election. It is a digital dustbin.
| Country | Key Reform | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | 2/3 supermajority for appointments | No single-party court capture |
| Brazil | TSE with suo motu disqualification | Cash distribution = automatic disqualification |
| Canada | Forensic audit + criminal prosecution | One of cleanest large democracies |
| Sweden | Public party funding + full transparency | Consistent top 3 for electoral integrity |
01 · Election Finance — Voucher System
Every adult voter receives an annual democratic voucher redeemable as donation to any registered party. All donations through ECI-managed transparent platform. Forensic audit mandatory.
02 · Criminal Candidate Bar
Candidates charged with serious crimes barred upon framing of charges — not conviction. Court determines categorisation, not government.
03 · Two-Round Voting System