Author(s): Amit Kumar Singh

Abstract: The digital age has profoundly transformed electoral politics in India, redefining the ways political parties engage with voters, disseminate information, and influence public opinion. This research paper, Political Accountability in the Digital Age: Assessing the Impact of Social Media, Online Campaigning, and Legal Regulations on India’s Electoral Democracy, critically examines the intersection of technology, law, and democratic governance. By analyzing the 2014, 2019, and 2024 general elections, the study explores the strategies employed by political parties, the evolving role of social media platforms, and the regulatory mechanisms designed to ensure transparency and accountability in digital campaigns.The paper identifies key challenges associated with digital electoral processes, including misinformation, polarization, privacy violations, algorithmic manipulation, and the digital divide. It further investigates India’s legal and institutional frameworks, such as the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the IT Act, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, highlighting gaps in enforcement and emerging regulatory needs. Comparative analysis with international practices in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Canada provides insights into best practices for transparency, monitoring, ethical campaigning, and voter protection.Based on these analyses, the study offers a comprehensive set of recommendations, including updating legal frameworks to address AI-driven content and micro-targeting, implementing real-time monitoring systems, promoting digital literacy among voters, fostering ethical campaigning practices, and leveraging technological solutions such as AI and blockchain for transparency. The findings underscore that while digital technologies have enhanced voter engagement and political outreach, safeguarding electoral integrity requires a multi-dimensional approach combining law, ethics, technology, and civic education.The research contributes to the discourse on digital democracy in India, emphasizing the importance of political accountability, informed citizen participation, and the responsible use of emerging technologies in electoral processes. By integrating lessons from global experiences with the Indian context, the paper provides actionable strategies to ensure that digital campaigns strengthen, rather than undermine, the foundations of India’s democratic governance.

Pages: 130-141 | Views: 161 | Downloads: 24

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