MIND

Electoral Politics
Elections A mechanism or procedure by which people choose their representatives at regular intervals.

Needs for Election

Voters can choose the people Voters can choose those who would Voters can choose the political party which
who would make law for them. form government and take decisions. would guide the government and law making.

Features of Democratic Election

Every adult citizen should Elections should offer Choice of selecting rulers should Most preferred candidate Free and fair
be able to choose. choices to the people. be offered at regular intervals. should get elected. elections to be held.

Political Competition Elections in India

Types

Demerits Merits
• Creates a sense of disunity and factionalism. • System works in long run.
• Political parties and leaders often pet • Tries to improve knowledge and General Elections By-Elections
allegations against each other. character of leaders. (after every 5 years) (to fill in vacancy)
• Dirty tricks are used to win elections. • Forces leaders to serve the people.

Process of Elections

Electoral
Constituencies
Country is divided into
different constituencies
as per the population.
Reserved Voter’s List Nomination of Election Campaign Polling and Counting
Constituencies List of people Candidates Campaign take place for of Votes
Some constituencies eligible to vote Person wishes a two-week period between Voters cast or ‘poll’
are reserved for is prepared. to contest the announcement of the their vote. After
people belonging election has to fill final list of candidates and counting of votes,
to SC and ST. nomination paper. the date of polling. the candidate securing
Model code of conduct highest number of votes
to be followed. is declared elected.

Elections in India-A Democratic Process

Reasons

Independent Election Popular Participation Acceptance of Election Challenges to Free and

Commission
• The Chief Election Commissioner
is appointed by the President of India.
• Election Commission takes decisions
on every aspect of conduct and
control of elections.
• Implements the code of conduct.
• Can order the government to follow
guidelines during elections.
• Government officers work under
the control of commission
during elections.
of People
• People’s participation is
measured by voter turnout
figures.
• Participation of poor,
illiterate and underprivileged
people more than rich.
• Attachment of common
people in election is more.
• Over the years people’s
interest in election has
increased.
Outcome
• The ruling party sometimes
lose in the election.
• About half of the sitting
MPs or MLAs lose elections.
• Candidates with criminal
background lose elections.
• Election outcomes are
regarded as
‘people’s verdict’.
Fair Elections
• No level playing field due to
candidates from big political
parties having money.
• People with criminal background
sometimes easily get tickets to
contest election.
• Family domination is seen in politics.
• Less choice to people due to
similarity in policies of parties.
• Disadvantage to small and
independent candidates.