PROJECT ON

The Electoral System in India

Submitted by: ____________________

Class: __________

Subject: History & Civics

Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my teacher for guiding me throughout the
preparation of this project on "The Electoral System in India". This project has given me the
opportunity to learn about the functioning of democracy in our country and understand the
importance of elections in shaping the future of India.

I would also like to thank my parents and friends for their constant encouragement and support.
Finally, I am grateful to the various books, online sources, and reference materials that helped
me compile detailed information for this study.
Introduction
India is the world’s largest democracy, with over 900 million eligible voters. The electoral system
forms the backbone of our democratic framework, ensuring that citizens have the power to
choose their representatives through free and fair elections.

Elections are not only about voting; they represent people’s voices, their aspirations, and their
collective will. The making of India’s electoral system after independence was a monumental
task, ensuring inclusivity and equality.

In this project, I will study the making of elections, the role of the Election Commission, types of
elections, the multi-party system, and the entire process of elections in India.
The Making of Elections in India
The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, laid the foundation of democracy. It enshrined the
principle of universal adult franchise, granting every citizen above 21 years of age (later reduced
to 18 years by the 61st Constitutional Amendment, 1988) the right to vote, irrespective of caste,
creed, gender, or economic status.

Importance of Elections in Democracy: 1. Representation of people’s will. 2. Accountability of

leaders. 3. Peaceful transfer of power. 4. Political stability and legitimacy.

Historical Context: The first General Elections in India were held in 1951–52, making it the
largest democratic exercise in the world at that time. Since then, elections have evolved with: -
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) introduced in the 1990s. - Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail
(VVPAT) introduced in 2013. - Constant efforts to make voting more transparent and accessible.
Election Commission of India
Composition: - Established on 25 January 1950 (celebrated as National Voters’ Day). - Headed
by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). - Two other Election Commissioners (added in
1989).

Tenure: - The CEC and other Commissioners hold office for 6 years or until the age of 65 years.

Removal: - The CEC can only be removed through a process similar to the impeachment of
judges of the Supreme Court. - This ensures independence and neutrality.

Powers and Functions: 1. Conduct free and fair elections to Parliament, State Legislatures,
President, and Vice President. 2. Supervise preparation of electoral rolls. 3. Register and
regulate political parties. 4. Enforce Model Code of Conduct during campaigns. 5. Monitor
election expenses by candidates. 6. Order repolling in case of malpractices. 7. Spread voter
awareness through campaigns like SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral
Participation).
Types of Elections in India
1. Parliamentary General Elections: Held every 5 years to elect Members of Parliament (Lok
Sabha). India is divided into 543 constituencies. The political party or coalition with majority
forms the government.

2. State Assembly Elections (Vidhan Sabha): Held every 5 years in each state. Determines the
Chief Minister and state government.

3. Rajya Sabha Elections: Members are indirectly elected by State Legislative Assemblies
through proportional representation. Rajya Sabha is a permanent body with one-third members
retiring every 2 years.

4. Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections: President is elected by an Electoral College

(MPs + MLAs). Vice President is elected by members of both Houses of Parliament.

5. Local Body Elections (Municipalities & Panchayats): Conducted by State Election

Commissions. Strengthens grassroots democracy.
Significance of Multi-Party System
India has a multi-party system where multiple parties contest elections, unlike two-party systems
(like USA).

Significance: 1. Represents diversity of India. 2. Provides voters with choices. 3. Prevents

monopoly of power. 4. Encourages coalition governments that represent wider sections of
society.

Examples: - National Parties (BJP, INC, CPI, etc.) - Regional Parties (DMK, TMC, AAP, Shiv
Sena, etc.)
Process of Elections in India
1. Making of Constituencies: India is divided into constituencies based on population. The
Delimitation Commission revises boundaries periodically.

2. Preparation of Electoral Rolls: List of all eligible voters in a constituency. Updated regularly by
the Election Commission.

3. Registration of Political Parties: Parties must be registered with the Election Commission.
Recognized as National Party or State Party based on vote share.

4. Political Campaigning: Candidates and parties reach out to voters through rallies,
advertisements, debates, and social media. Model Code of Conduct ensures ethical
campaigning.

5. Voting Day: Conducted in multiple phases for security reasons. Voters cast votes via EVMs
with VVPAT slips. Ensures secrecy of ballot.

6. Counting and Declaration of Results: Votes counted under strict supervision. Results declared
by Election Commission.
Challenges and Reforms
Challenges: 1. Electoral malpractices like money power, muscle power, and fake news. 2. Low
voter turnout in urban areas. 3. Misuse of social media.

Reforms Needed: 1. Stronger laws against fake news and paid news. 2. Compulsory voting
(debated). 3. State funding of elections to reduce corruption. 4. More voter awareness
campaigns. 5. Online and remote voting facilities for migrants and NRIs.
Conclusion and Bibliography
Conclusion: The electoral system of India is the backbone of its democracy. Despite challenges,
it has ensured smooth transfer of power for over seven decades. The Election Commission has
worked tirelessly to maintain the faith of citizens in the electoral process. Reforms and active
participation of the youth will make Indian democracy stronger in the future.

Bibliography: 1. NCERT Civics Textbook (Class IX & X) 2. Subhash C. Kashyap – Our

Constitution 3. Election Commission of India official website (eci.gov.in) 4. Ministry of Law and
Justice – The Representation of People Act, 1951 5. Newspaper articles from The Hindu and
Indian Express