Civics Chapter "Electoral Politics"

1. Why Do We Need Elections?

-Democracy’s Cornerstone:

In a democracy, the government is chosen by the people. Direct rule by the entire population is
impractical, especially in large countries like India with over 1 billion people. Therefore, **regular,
periodic elections** are held to choose representatives who run the government.

- Mechanism for People’s Voice:

Elections empower citizens to express their collective will. They can approve or disapprove their
representatives’ functioning by re-electing them or choosing new ones.

- Accountability:

Elected representatives are answerable to the people. If they fail to perform, they can be voted out.
This builds **responsiveness** and makes governments answerable.

- Peaceful Transfer of Power:

Regular elections ensure transfer of power takes place smoothly, without violence or coups.

- Legitimacy:

Governments elected popularly are considered legitimate, making it easier for them to command
respect and authority.

Example:

In 1977, after the Emergency period, the ruling party lost elections due to public discontent, showing
the power of the ballot in changing governments in India.

2. What Makes an Election Democratic?

For an election to be truly democratic, it must meet key criteria:

- Universal Adult Franchise:

Every citizen above 18, regardless of gender, caste, religion or socio-economic background, can vote.
This underlines equality and inclusiveness.

- One Person, One Vote, One Value:

All votes have equal value. No person’s vote counts more than another, ensuring fairness.

-Right to Contest:

Any citizen (meeting certain legal/constitutional requirements) can stand for election.

- Real Choice and Competition:

There should be real choices for voters among candidates/parties, guaranteeing healthy competition
of ideas.
- Regular Intervals:

Elections are held at fixed and regular intervals (e.g., Lok Sabha every 5 years), allowing voters to
periodically review/replace their leaders.

-Free and Fair Process:

The election should be conducted impartially. Voters should be able to cast votes without fear,
compulsion, or bribery.

- Secret Ballot:

Voters’ choices are confidential, protecting them from repercussions and encouraging honest
expression.

Enforcement:

Independent authorities like the **Election Commission** oversee and enforce these conditions.

3. Political Competition: Need, Pros & Cons

Why Political Competition?

- Multiple individuals or parties contest for power, presenting di^erent policies and visions.

- Benefits:

- Holds representatives accountable to the electorate.

- Enables people to select the candidate/party that best represents their interests and aspirations.

- Encourages better performance as parties fear losing public support if they underperform.

- Drawbacks:

- Sometimes leads to unhealthy practices such as mud-slinging, use of caste/religion/money/muscle

power, and short-term populism.

- Can make leaders focus more on winning elections than on long-term public welfare.

- Balance:

- Despite drawbacks, political competition is vital for ensuring responsive governance and policy
innovation.

4. The Election Process in India

a. Constituencies

- The country (and every state) is divided into **constituencies**—geographical areas from which one
representative is elected.

- Types:

- Lok Sabha Constituencies: India is divided into 543 for the Parliament.

- Vidhan Sabha Constituencies: Each state is divided for assembly elections.

- Each constituency roughly represents the same population for fairness.

b. Reserved Constituencies

- Special constituencies are reserved for **Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to
ensure adequate representation.

- Only SC/ST candidates may contest from these seats, but all voters in these areas vote as usual.

- Rationale: To uplift historically marginalized communities and ensure their participation in

governance.

c. Voters’ List (Electoral Roll

- An o^icial register of all qualified voters in a given area/constituency.

- Regularly updated to add those who turned 18 and remove deceased/shifted individuals.

- Importance: Ensures only eligible citizens participate and prevents malpractices.

- Photo Identity Cards: Since 1993, voters are given EPIC (Electors’ Photo Identity Card), but no one
can be denied the right to vote for lack of a card if their name is on the roll.

d. Nomination of Candidates

- Who Can Contest:

- Any Indian citizen over the minimum age (25 for Lok Sabha/State Assemblies) not otherwise
disqualified.

- Must pay a deposit, submit nomination papers, and declare assets, criminal cases, and
educational qualifications.

- Purpose: Promotes transparency and accountability.

e. Election Campaign

- Candidates/parties promote their manifestos, policies, and promises to persuade voters.

- Campaign Period: O^icially defined time; campaigning ends 48 hours before polling.

- Rules:

- No outreach within 100m of polling booth on election day.

- No use of government vehicles or funds for campaigning.

- No appeals on the basis of caste/religion.

- Spending limits for each candidate fixed by EC.

- Model Code of Conduct: Guidelines enforced by EC for fair play. Violations can lead to cancellation
of candidature.

f. Polling & Voting

- On polling day, voters queue up at designated booths.

- Voting is by secret ballot—now via Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

- Voters press button for their desired candidate. Vote is confidential.

g. Counting & Declaration of Results

- After polling, EVMs are sealed and kept securely.

- Counting is public, usually under observation of candidates/their agents.

- Candidate with maximum (plurality) of votes wins.

- Majority System: India follows ‘First Past the Post’—whoever gets most votes, not necessarily
absolute majority.

5. Election Commission (EC) – Role & Powers

- Independent Constitutional Body:

Established by Article 324, not subordinate to the government—headed by the Chief Election
Commissioner.

- Duties:

- Prepares and updates the voters’ list.

- Announces and schedules elections.

- Monitors campaign code, spending, and conduct of candidates/parties.

- Oversees polling, counting, and result declaration.

- Orders repoll or cancellation in case of malpractice.

- Powers:

EC can reprimand, disqualify, or take legal action against violators of election rules and is not
answerable to the government.

6. Challenges to Free and Fair Elections in India

- Money Power: Use of unaccounted money for buying votes or campaigning excessively.

- Muscle Power & Violence: Use of criminal elements or threats to influence or intimidate voters.

- Caste/Religion & Social Divisions: Sometimes campaigns appeal to narrow loyalty and social
identities rather than merit/issues.

-Booth Capturing & Fake Voting: Physical capturing of polling booths or impersonation.

- Media Manipulation: Spreading fake news or biased coverage.

Questions for practice

Q1: What are the various stages of the election process in India?

Ans: Formation of constituencies → Preparation of voters’ list → Nomination of candidates → Election

campaign → Polling and voting → Counting of votes → Declaration of results.
Q2: Why are certain seats in the legislature reserved for SCs and STs?

Ans: To provide due representation and address historical oppression, certain seats are reserved for
Scheduled Caste and Tribe candidates in Parliament and State Assemblies.

Q3: Explain the importance of the Model Code of Conduct and one example of its provision.

Ans: The MCC maintains a level playing field. For instance, it prohibits use of government resources
for campaigning or inciting caste/religious hatred.

Q4:What steps does the Election Commission take to ensure free and fair elections?

Ans: Prepares voters’ lists, monitors campaign spending and hateful rhetoric, schedules
polls/resource deployment, supervises polling and counting, and can order repolls or countermand
polls if malpractice is confirmed.

Q5: What is the significance of secret ballot in elections?

Ans: It ensures that voters can cast their vote freely, without fear of intimidation or social pressure,
preserving true choice and fairness.