Unit 1

Election
Election is a process in which individuals or groups of people choose their
representatives or leaders through voting. It is a democratic practice that
allows citizens to have a voice in deciding who will govern them or make
important decisions on their behalf. Elections typically involve candidates
or political parties competing for votes, and the candidate or party with
the majority of votes is declared the winner. Elections can take place at
various levels, such as local, regional, national, or even international,
depending on the context. They are an essential part of democratic
systems and serve as a means for citizens to participate in the governance
of their society.
Elections are important in a democracy for several reasons:
1. Representation: Elections ensure that the government represents
the will of the people. By allowing citizens to choose their
representatives, elections provide a mechanism for individuals to
have a say in the decision-making process and ensure that their
interests and concerns are taken into account.

2. Accountability: Elections hold elected officials accountable for

their actions. When politicians know that they will be judged by the
voters in the next election, they are more likely to act in the best
interests of their constituents and fulfill their promises. Regular
elections provide an opportunity for citizens to evaluate the
performance of their leaders and make informed decisions about
whether to re-elect them.
 3. Legitimacy: Elections confer legitimacy on the government. When
leaders are elected through a fair and transparent electoral process,
it enhances the legitimacy of their authority and strengthens public
trust in the democratic system. This legitimacy is essential for
maintaining stability and social cohesion within a society.

4. Peaceful Transfer of Power: Elections enable a peaceful transfer

of power from one government to another. In democratic societies,
power is not held indefinitely by a single individual or group.
Instead, elections allow for a peaceful transition of power, ensuring
that no one person or party can monopolize control over the
government.

5. Participation: Elections encourage citizen participation in the

political process. By casting their vote, citizens have a direct impact
on the outcome of the election and can influence the direction of their
society. Elections provide an opportunity for individuals to voice
their opinions, preferences, and concerns, fostering a sense of civic
engagement and empowerment.
In summary, elections are vital to democracy as they promote
representation, accountability, legitimacy, peaceful transfers of power,
and citizen participation. They are a fundamental aspect of democratic
governance and ensure that the government remains responsive to the
needs and aspirations of its citizens.
Types of Election
In India, there are several types of elections that take place at different
levels of government. These include:
1. Lok Sabha Elections: These are the elections to the lower house of
the Parliament of India, known as the Lok Sabha. Members of
Parliament (MPs) are elected from constituencies across the
country. The Lok Sabha elections are held every five years, unless
dissolved earlier.

2. Rajya Sabha Elections: The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the
Parliament of India. Unlike the Lok Sabha, its members are not
directly elected by the people. Instead, they are elected by the
members of the State Legislative Assemblies. Rajya Sabha elections
are held periodically to fill vacant seats.

3. State Legislative Assembly Elections: Each state in India has its

own Legislative Assembly, which is responsible for making laws and
governing the state. Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs)
are elected through direct elections held in each constituency within
the state. State Assembly elections are held every five years, unless
dissolved earlier.

4. Panchayat Elections: Panchayats are local self-government

institutions at the village, block, and district levels in rural areas of
India. Panchayat elections are held to elect representatives to these
institutions. The elections are conducted by the State Election
Commissions and are held periodically.
 5. Municipal Corporation Elections: Municipal corporations are
local self-government bodies in urban areas of India. Municipal
Corporation elections are held to elect representatives to these
bodies. The elections are conducted by the State Election
Commissions and are held periodically.

6. By-Elections: By-elections, also known as special elections or bye-

polls, are held to fill vacancies in parliamentary or assembly
constituencies that arise between regular elections. These vacancies
can occur due to various reasons such as resignation, death, or
disqualification of a sitting member.
These are some of the main types of elections in India. Each election plays
a crucial role in shaping the democratic process and ensuring
representation and accountability at different levels of government.

Election Commission
The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional
authority responsible for administering and conducting elections in India.
It was established in 1950 under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.
The Election Commission is headed by the Chief Election Commissioner
and consists of other Election Commissioners. Its main functions include:
1. Conducting free and fair elections: The Election Commission
ensures that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent
manner, without any undue influence or malpractices.

2. Electoral roll management: The Commission is responsible for

the preparation and revision of electoral rolls, which contain the
names of eligible voters.
3. Voter education and awareness: The Commission conducts
various voter education programs to promote voter awareness and
participation in the electoral process.

4. Candidate nomination and scrutiny: The Commission oversees

the process of candidate nomination, scrutiny, and withdrawal
during elections.

5. Model Code of Conduct: The Commission enforces the Model

Code of Conduct, which lays down guidelines for political parties
and candidates to ensure ethical and fair campaigning.

6. Polling arrangements: The Commission makes arrangements for

polling stations, polling personnel, electronic voting machines
(EVMs), and other necessary infrastructure for conducting
elections.

7. Election monitoring and supervision: The Commission monitors

the election process, including campaign expenditure, and takes
necessary measures to prevent electoral malpractices.

8. Dispute resolution: The Commission resolves election-related

disputes and complaints through a quasi-judicial process.
The Election Commission plays a crucial role in upholding the principles
of democracy and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process in India.
Composition
The constitution provides for the following provisions in relation to the
composition of the election commission:
1. The election commission shall consist of the Chief Election
Commissioner and a number of other election commissioners, if any,
as the president may from time to time fix.
2. The appointment of the chief election commissioner and other
election commissioners shall be made by the president.
3. When any other election commissioner is so appointed the chief
election commissioner shall act as the chairman of the election
commission.
4. The president may also appoint after consultation with the election
commission such regional commissioners as he may consider
necessary to assist the election commission.
5. The conditions of service and tenure of office of the election
commissioners and the regional commissioners shall be such as the
President may by rule determine.

Power
The Election Commission of India has significant powers and
responsibilities in ensuring free and fair elections in the country. Some of
the powers and functions of the Election Commission include:
1. Conducting Elections: The Election Commission is responsible for
conducting elections to the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament),
State Legislative Assemblies, and the offices of the President and
 Vice-President of India. It prepares and updates electoral rolls,
issues notifications for elections, and supervises the conduct of polls.

2. Electoral Reforms: The Election Commission works towards

bringing about electoral reforms to enhance the transparency and
integrity of the electoral process. It suggests changes to election
laws, introduces new technologies, and implements measures to
curb electoral malpractices.

3. Model Code of Conduct: The Election Commission enforces a

Model Code of Conduct during elections, which lays down
guidelines for political parties and candidates to ensure fair
campaigning. It monitors the adherence to the code and takes action
against violations.

4. Voter Education: The Election Commission carries out voter

education programs to create awareness among citizens about their
voting rights and responsibilities. It conducts campaigns to
encourage voter registration, participation, and informed decision-
making.

5. Dispute Resolution: The Election Commission adjudicates

disputes related to elections, including the disqualification of
candidates, violations of the Model Code of Conduct, and election
petitions. It has the authority to cancel or countermand elections in
case of irregularities or violence.
 6. Electoral Roll Management: The Election Commission oversees
the preparation, revision, and maintenance of electoral rolls. It
ensures that eligible voters are included in the rolls and takes
measures to remove duplicate or ineligible entries.
7. Political Party Registration: The Election Commission registers
political parties and regulates their functioning. It lays down
guidelines for party symbols, funding, and internal democracy
within parties.

8. Media Monitoring: The Election Commission monitors media

coverage during elections to ensure fairness, balance, and
compliance with the Model Code of Conduct. It takes action against
biased or misleading reporting.

9. Election Expenditure Monitoring: The Election Commission

monitors and regulates the expenditure incurred by political parties
and candidates during elections to prevent the use of money power.
It sets limits on campaign spending and takes action against
violations.
Overall, the Election Commission of India plays a crucial role in
upholding the democratic principles of the country by ensuring free, fair,
and transparent elections.
Indian Party System
The Indian party system refers to the political landscape in India, which
is characterized by the presence of multiple political parties competing in
elections. These parties represent various ideologies, interests, and
regional or caste-based identities. The system is marked by the dominance
of national parties like the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya
Janata Party, as well as the significant role played by regional parties. The
party system in India is known for its diversity, coalition governments,
caste and identity politics, and reliance on private funding.
The party system in India is characterized by the following features:

1. Multi-party System: India has a multi-party system, with a large

number of political parties competing in elections. This is due to the
diverse nature of the country and the presence of regional and caste-
based parties.

2. Dominance of National Parties: While there are numerous

regional parties, India is also dominated by two major national
parties – the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP). These parties have a significant presence across
the country and often form the government at the national level.

3. Regional Parties: Regional parties play a crucial role in Indian

politics, particularly in states where they have a strong support base.
These parties often focus on regional issues and represent the
interests of specific communities or regions.

4. Caste and Identity Politics: Caste-based politics is prevalent in

India, with political parties often mobilizing support based on caste
identities. Parties may align themselves with particular castes or
communities to secure their votes.
 5. Coalition Governments: Due to the fragmented nature of the
party system, coalition governments are common in India. This
means that multiple parties come together to form a government,
often based on post-election alliances.

6. Ideological Diversity: Indian political parties have diverse

ideologies, ranging from socialist and communist to right-wing
nationalist and liberal. This reflects the diversity of political thought
and the various socio-economic issues present in the country.

7. Party Funding: Political parties in India rely heavily on private

donations for funding their election campaigns. This has raised
concerns about transparency and the influence of money power in
politics.

8. Internal Democracy: Political parties in India vary in terms of

their internal democratic processes. Some parties have a centralized
decision-making structure, while others have more participatory
mechanisms.

9. Party Symbols: Party symbols play an important role in Indian

elections, as they help illiterate voters identify their preferred party
on the ballot. The Election Commission of India assigns symbols to
registered political parties.
10. Party Alliances: Parties often form pre-election alliances to
maximize their chances of winning seats. These alliances are based
on shared interests or common goals and can have a significant
impact on election outcomes.
Overall, the Indian party system is characterized by its diversity,
regionalism, and the influence of caste and identity politics. The presence
of multiple parties and coalition governments reflects the complexity of
Indian democracy.

Types of Party System

The types of party systems can vary depending on the political landscape
of a country. Here are some common types:
1. One-party system: In this system, a single political party holds
complete control and power. Opposition parties are either banned or
not allowed to participate in elections. Examples include China’s
Communist Party and North Korea’s Workers’ Party.

2. Two-party system: This system consists of two major political

parties that dominate the political arena. Other smaller parties may
exist, but they have limited influence. The United States is often
cited as an example of a two-party system, with the Democratic and
Republican parties.

3. Multi-party system: In a multi-party system, several political

parties compete for power and representation. No single party
typically has a majority, leading to coalition governments or
alliances between parties. Examples include Germany’s multi-party
system with parties like the Christian Democratic Union, Social
Democratic Party, and Green Party.

4. Dominant-party system: This system is similar to a one-party

system, but multiple parties are allowed to exist. However, one party
 consistently dominates and holds a significant advantage over
others in terms of political power and electoral success. Examples
include Mexico’s Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and
India’s Indian National Congress.
5. Two-and-a-half-party system: This system features two major
parties and a smaller third party that occasionally has significant
influence. The third party can act as a swing vote or hold the balance
of power in certain situations. The United Kingdom’s political
system, with the Conservative Party, Labour Party, and Liberal
Democrats, is often described as a two-and-a-half-party system.

6. Non-partisan system: In this system, political parties are not

officially recognized or play a minimal role in the political process.
Candidates run as individuals without party affiliation, and
elections are based on personal merit rather than party platforms.
Non-partisan systems can be found in some local or municipal
elections.
It's important to note that these party systems are not mutually exclusive,
and some countries may exhibit characteristics of multiple types.
Additionally, party systems can evolve and change over time as political
dynamics shift.

First Past The Post System

The First Past the Post (FPTP) system is a widely used electoral system
that has both advantages and disadvantages. It is a simple and
straightforward system where the candidate with the most votes in each
constituency wins, regardless of whether they have a majority. This
system is commonly used in countries like the United Kingdom and the
United States.
One of the main advantages of the FPTP system is that it provides clear
and decisive outcomes. The candidate with the most votes wins, which can
lead to stable governments and avoids political gridlock. This is
particularly important in countries where political stability is crucial, as
it allows for effective decision-making and governance.
Additionally, FPTP ensures a direct link between constituents and their
representatives. Each constituency has its own representative, who is
elected by the voters in that specific area. This allows constituents to have
a direct voice in the political process and ensures that their concerns and
interests are represented in government.
Furthermore, FPTP often leads to a two-party or two-and-a-half-party
system. This can be seen as an advantage as it provides clarity and
simplicity for voters. They have a clear choice between two main parties,
which can make the electoral process easier to understand and participate
in. It also allows for a more stable and predictable political landscape, as
power is concentrated in a few major parties.
However, there are also several criticisms of the FPTP system. One of the
main criticisms is that it can lead to disproportionate representation.
Parties with a significant portion of the vote may not win any seats if they
are not the most popular in any particular constituency. This can result
in a discrepancy between the popular vote and seat distribution, which
can be seen as undemocratic.
For example, in a hypothetical scenario where Party A receives 40% of the
vote in every constituency but does not win any seats, while Party B
receives 30% of the vote in every constituency and wins all the seats,
Party B would have a majority in parliament despite receiving fewer votes
overall. This can lead to a lack of representation for certain groups and
can undermine the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Critics also argue that FPTP can discourage smaller parties from
participating. In a system where the candidate with the most votes wins,
smaller parties often struggle to gain representation. This can lead to a
lack of diversity and a limited range of political perspectives in
government. It can also discourage voters from supporting smaller
parties, as they may feel that their vote will not make a difference.
Furthermore, the FPTP system can lead to tactical voting, where voters
strategically vote for a candidate they believe has a better chance of
winning, rather than their preferred candidate. This can distort the
electoral process and result in outcomes that do not accurately reflect the
preferences of the electorate.
In conclusion, the type of party system and electoral system in a country
can greatly impact its political landscape and governance. The FPTP
system is a simple and straightforward system that has advantages such
as clear outcomes and a direct link between constituents and their
representatives. However, it also has disadvantages such as
disproportionate representation and discouragement of smaller parties. It
is important for countries to carefully consider the potential consequences
of their chosen electoral system and ensure that it aligns with their goals
for representation and governance.