Ln- 4 Elections

Definitions:
ELECTION: it is a procedure whereby
persons are chosen, by voting, to
represent the voters for running the
Government.
Political Party: It is a group of people
holding similar views or beliefs. Any
political party wins large number of votes,
it forms the government. At times 2 or
more parties join together to prove their
majority.[coalition Govt.]
Kinds of Election Kinds of Election
[based on voting] [based on term]

General Election
Direct Election

Mid - term
Election

Indirect Election
By - Election
Kinds of Meaning
election

Direct Every person above the age of 18

Election holds the right to vote for his/ her
representative. Eg: members of
Legislative Assemblies[in states]
Indirect Every elected representative holds the
Election right to vote. All elected representatives
are treated in par. Election of President
& Vice president of India, members of
state legislative councils & Rajya
Sabha.
Kinds - Meaning
election
General All voters of the country vote to elect their
Election representatives both in center and state-
every 5 yrs.
Mid - Held before the expiry of the term of
term Lok Sabha / state Legislative
Election Assembly. [ Vote of no confidence]
By - Held between regular elections for the
Election seat vacant due to death / resignation
of the elected member.
Direct Election Indirect Election

People/ voters People/ voters elect

elect directly – indirectly through their
large no. of elected representatives.
voters Less no. of voters.
Law regulates As they are already elected
age, qualification representatives no separate
etc. as eligibility qualification is needed.

Every adult [18] Every elected representative

has right to vote has the right to vote.
Indirect Election
President of India are elected by
electoral college.
Elected members of both the houses,
state legislative assembly, National
Capital Territory of Delhi and Union
Territory of Pudhucherry.
Rajya Sabha – only state legislative ,
Vice president – only LS + RS
Election commission: Composition & Term

[Part XV Ar. 324 to 329]

 Appointed by President of India – at the behest of
Prime MInister,[Chief Election commissioner]
 President appoints both the Regional Election
Commissioners in consultation with the Election
commission.
 Term – 6 yrs.
 Retirement 65 yrs.[which ever finishes first]
 Vacate the office at the day of attainment of the age.
 Salary equivalent to supreme court judge. Pension
after retirement.
 Difference opinion settled based on majority.
From1989 two Regional commissioners
under one chief election commissioner.
Chief Election
Commissioner
[CEC]

Regional Regional
Commissioner Commissioner
Powers and functions of the
commission:

Preparation of electoral roll & photo

identity card.
Registration and recognition of political
parties.
Allotment of symbols.
Fixing date and conducting elections.
Ensuring free and fair elections.
Powers and functions of the
commission:
Appointment of polling officers. –
returning officer- [deputy
commissioner / magistrate –
declares a candidate fit for
contesting in an election.
Scrutiny of nomination papers.
Scrutiny of election expense.
Advisory function.