Legacy IAS Academy

#1535, 39th Cross Road, Kottapalaya,

Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block, Bangalore- 560041.
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Q) Due to the demise of a candidate, elections in Madhya

Pradesh's Betul Lok Sabha constituency have been postponed.
In light of this, what measures can the Election Commission
take when the normal polling process is disrupted?
(10M, 150 words) [GS-2: Indian Polity]
Introduction:

• India's election laws provide a comprehensive framework to manage disruptions in

the polling process due to various reasons such as damage to EVMs, booth-
capturing, natural disasters, or the death of a candidate.
• Provisions for repolls, adjournments, and the voiding of polls are in place to ensure
that the democratic process remains fair, transparent, and uninterrupted.
• A recent example is the adjournment of elections in Madhya Pradesh's Betul Lok
Sabha constituency due to the death of a candidate on April 9.

Body:

• Under Section 58 of the Representation of the People Act (RPA), the Election
Commission (EC) can declare the poll at a polling station void in specific
circumstances:
• If an unauthorized person unlawfully takes away any EVM.
• If any EVM is accidentally or intentionally destroyed, lost, damaged, or tampered
with.
• If a mechanical failure develops in any EVM during the recording of votes.
• In such scenarios, the Returning Officer (RO) promptly informs the EC and the
state's Chief Electoral Officer of the relevant facts and material circumstances.
• Following this, the EC may declare the poll void and formally set a new poll date
and time.
• Contesting candidates or their election agents are notified in writing. Additionally, a
public notice is displayed, and announcements are made in the polling area to alert
voters.
 Legacy IAS Academy
#1535, 39th Cross Road, Kottapalaya,
Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block, Bangalore- 560041.
• All electors are allowed to vote in the new election. During the repoll, voters' left
middle fingers are inked to differentiate from the mark made during the first poll (on
their left forefinger).

Conclusion:

India's election laws and the provisions for managing disruptions play a crucial role in
upholding the integrity and fairness of the electoral process.

By ensuring that all contingencies are addressed, the EC maintains public confidence in the
democratic system and ensures that elections are conducted smoothly, despite unforeseen
challenges.
 Legacy IAS Academy
#1535, 39th Cross Road, Kottapalaya,
Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block, Bangalore- 560041.

Discuss the significance of the unfolding situation in the South

China Sea for India's security.
(10M, 150 words) [GS-2: International Relations]
Introduction

• The South China Sea is located just south of the Chinese mainland, bordered by
Brunei, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
• The region has been a hotspot for territorial disputes for decades, with tensions
recently escalating to unprecedented levels.
• As one of the most strategically important maritime areas, China's ambition to
control the South China Sea is driven by its desire to exert greater regional authority.

Body

Strategic Importance to India’s Security:

• The South China Sea, a global maritime common, has historically served as a vital
sea-lane of communication, facilitating uninterrupted passage for millennia.
• India has had a significant maritime presence in these waters for over 1,500 years,
with historical and archaeological evidence of trade from Kedah in Malaysia to
Quanzhou in China.
• Nearly $200 billion in Indian trade passes through the South China Sea, and many
Indian citizens study, work, and invest in ASEAN countries, China, Japan, and
South Korea.
• Ensuring peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea is
critical for India's economic prosperity and regional security.

Economic and Geopolitical Interests:

• The region’s stability is crucial for routine economic activities and collaborations
with friendly countries.
• The South China Sea is rich in natural resources, with an estimated 11 billion barrels
of oil and 190 trillion cubic feet of natural gas according to the United States Energy
Information Agency.
• The area is also home to abundant fishing grounds, providing a major source of
income for millions across the region.
 Legacy IAS Academy
#1535, 39th Cross Road, Kottapalaya,
Jayanagar 4th ‘T’ Block, Bangalore- 560041.
Conclusion

The unfolding situation in the South China Sea is of paramount importance to India's
security, given its strategic, economic, and geopolitical implications.

India's historical ties and current economic interests in the region necessitate a stable and
peaceful maritime environment.

As a significant player in the Indo-Pacific, India must advocate for a rules-based order in
the South China Sea to ensure regional stability and secure its own interests.