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Electoral Politics

Electoral Politics (Class 9)

Electoral Politics** refers to the system of choosing representatives through elections. It is the process by which citizens participate in democracy by voting for candidates or parties they believe will best govern them.

This involves understanding the purpose of elections, what makes them democratic, and the various stages and elements of the electoral process, from voter registration to the declaration of results.


Why Elections?

Elections are fundamental to democratic governance. They serve several crucial purposes:

Assembly Election In Haryana

The example of an assembly election in Haryana illustrates the practical application of electoral politics. It involves:

  • Voter Registration: Citizens registering to be eligible to vote.
  • Political Campaigns: Parties and candidates presenting their manifestos and appealing for votes.
  • Polling: Citizens casting their votes on election day.
  • Counting of Votes: Votes being tallied to determine the winning candidates.
  • Formation of Government: The party or coalition securing a majority of seats forming the government.

This process allows the people of Haryana to choose their representatives and hold them accountable.

Why Do We Need Elections?

Elections are essential for democracy because they:

  • Provide Legitimacy: Governments elected through free and fair elections have legitimacy to rule.
  • Enable Choice: Voters can choose their representatives and the policies they support.
  • Ensure Accountability: Elected officials are accountable to the voters, as they must seek re-election periodically.
  • Facilitate Peaceful Transitions: Elections provide a peaceful mechanism for transferring power from one government to another.
  • Reflect Public Will: They are a way to gauge public opinion and ensure that the government reflects the will of the people.

What Makes An Election Democratic?

An election is considered democratic if it meets certain criteria:

  • Universal Adult Franchise: All adult citizens have the right to vote, without discrimination.
  • Free and Fair Process: The process of voting and counting is conducted impartially, without coercion, fraud, or manipulation.
  • Equal Opportunity: All candidates and parties have a reasonably equal chance to compete and present their views.
  • Regular Elections: Elections are held at regular intervals.
  • Secret Ballot: Voters can cast their vote without fear of intimidation or reprroval.
  • Independent Election Commission: An independent body oversees the conduct of elections.
  • Transparency: The entire electoral process is transparent and accountable.

Is It Good To Have Political Competition?

Yes, political competition is good** for a democracy:

  • Choice for Voters: Competition offers voters a real choice between different candidates and parties with different platforms.
  • Improved Performance: The prospect of losing an election due to poor performance encourages elected officials to work better and be more responsive to public needs.
  • Debate of Ideas: Competition fosters debate on important issues, allowing citizens to be informed about different policy proposals.
  • Prevents Complacency: It prevents any single party or leader from becoming too powerful or complacent.

However, competition should be healthy and fair, avoiding divisive tactics like communalism or hate speech.


What Is Our System Of Elections?

India follows a representative democracy system where citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf. The electoral system has several key features:

Electoral Constituencies

The country is divided into geographical areas called electoral constituencies**. For elections to the Lok Sabha (national parliament) and State Legislative Assemblies, each constituency elects one representative. This system is known as the "First Past the Post" (FPTP)** system. The candidate who secures the highest number of votes in a constituency wins, even if they do not get an absolute majority (more than 50% of the votes). This is also called the "plurality system".

Reserved Constituencies

To ensure representation for socially disadvantaged groups, the Indian Constitution provides for reserved constituencies** for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). In these constituencies, only candidates belonging to SCs or STs can contest elections, and the seat is considered "reserved" for them. This is a form of affirmative action to address historical inequalities.

Voters’ List

A voters' list**, also known as an electoral roll, is prepared. It contains the names of all eligible citizens who have attained the age of 18. The list is updated periodically to include new voters and remove those who are no longer eligible (due to death or shifting residence). This ensures that only registered voters can cast their ballot.

Nomination Of Candidates

Individuals aspiring to contest elections must file nomination papers. These papers require details about the candidate's background, assets, liabilities, and any criminal convictions. A certain amount of security deposit may also be required, which is forfeited if the candidate fails to secure a minimum percentage of votes.

Election Campaign

Election campaigns** are periods when candidates and political parties try to persuade voters. This involves:

  • Public Meetings: Addressing large gatherings of people.
  • Rallies: Processions and demonstrations to garner support.
  • Media: Using newspapers, television, radio, and social media to convey their message.
  • Door-to-Door Canvassing: Personally approaching voters.
  • Manifestos: Presenting their policy proposals and promises.

Election laws regulate campaign expenditure and prohibit certain practices like bribery or appealing to religious or caste sentiments.

Polling And Counting Of Votes

On election day, registered voters go to designated polling stations to cast their votes, typically using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The votes are cast in secret to ensure freedom from intimidation. After polling closes, the EVMs are sealed and transported to counting centres. Votes are then counted, and the candidate who wins the majority of votes in their constituency is declared elected.


What Makes Elections In India Democratic?

India's elections are considered democratic due to several key factors, despite facing certain challenges:

Independent Election Commission

The Election Commission of India (ECI)** is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for conducting elections. Its independence is crucial for ensuring fairness:

  • Autonomy: The ECI is not under the control of the executive government.
  • Powers: It has broad powers to oversee the entire electoral process, including setting election dates, announcing results, implementing the Model Code of Conduct for political parties, and ensuring fair practices.
  • Impartiality: Its role is to conduct elections impartially, ensuring a level playing field for all contestants.

Popular Participation

Elections in India witness high levels of popular participation**:

  • High Turnout: Millions of eligible citizens exercise their right to vote, demonstrating engagement with the democratic process.
  • Active Citizenry: Citizens actively participate in political discussions, campaigns, and awareness drives.
  • Vibrant Media: A free press and active media play a role in informing the public and scrutinizing the electoral process.

Acceptance Of Election Outcome

A hallmark of democratic elections is the acceptance of the outcome** by all participants, including losing parties and candidates. In India:

  • Peaceful Transitions: Election results generally lead to peaceful transfers of power.
  • Legal Challenges: While losing parties may challenge results through legal means, they typically abide by the final verdict.
  • Public Trust: The general acceptance of results reinforces public trust in the electoral system.

Challenges To Free And Fair Elections

Despite these democratic features, elections in India face challenges:

  • Influence of Money and Muscle Power: The use of large amounts of money and intimidation tactics can distort election outcomes.
  • Caste and Communal Appeals: Political parties sometimes resort to appealing to caste or religious sentiments, which can undermine fair competition and create divisions.
  • Misinformation and Hate Speech: The spread of false information and hate speech, particularly through social media, can influence voter perceptions unfairly.
  • Unequal Access to Resources: Wealthier parties or candidates may have an advantage in campaigning due to greater resources.
  • Booth Capturing: Although reduced, instances of rigging or booth capturing can still occur in some areas.

The Election Commission and citizens continuously work to address these challenges to strengthen the democratic nature of elections.