Chapter 3 Electoral Politics

Overview

This chapter examines electoral politics, explaining the necessity and function of elections in a democracy. It outlines the minimum conditions for democratic elections and analyzes India's electoral system against these criteria. The chapter discusses various stages of the election process, from constituency delimitation and voter list preparation to candidate nomination, campaigning, polling, and vote counting. It also evaluates the fairness of Indian elections, highlighting the role and powers of the Election Commission of India and discussing challenges like the misuse of money and power, caste and religious appeals, and the need for electoral reforms.

Why Elections?

Elections are crucial in representative democracies because they provide a mechanism for people to choose their representatives and hold them accountable. Without elections, it would be impossible for large populations to participate directly in governance. Elections allow voters to:

• Choose who makes laws and governs the country.
• Select the party whose policies will guide the government.
• Change the government if they are unhappy with its performance.

Electoral competition, despite its demerits like disunity and potential for unfair practices, is considered essential as it incentivizes political parties to serve the people to win votes and remain in power. It acts as a system of reward and punishment decided by the electorate.

What Makes An Election Democratic?

Democratic elections must meet several minimum conditions:

• Universal Adult Franchise: Everyone aged 18 and above should have the right to vote, with each vote having equal value, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or wealth.
• Real Choice: Elections must offer genuine choices between political alternatives (parties and candidates), allowing voters to change the government if they wish.
• Regular Elections: Elections must be held periodically (e.g., every five years) to ensure representatives remain accountable.
• Fair and Free Conditions: Elections should be conducted in an environment free from intimidation, bribery, misuse of government resources, and unfair practices like rigging. Candidates should have a fair chance to win, and the outcome should reflect the people's verdict.

Is It Good To Have Political Competition?

While political competition can lead to division, factionalism, and unfair tactics, it is considered essential for democracy. It incentivizes politicians to serve the public interest to win elections and allows voters to hold them accountable. It forces even self-interested politicians to consider people's needs to remain in power.

What Is Our System Of Elections?

India follows an area-based system of representation, dividing the country into constituencies for elections.

Electoral Constituencies

The country is divided into electoral constituencies, with each area electing one representative. For Lok Sabha elections, there are 543 constituencies, each electing an MP. Constituencies are roughly based on equal population to ensure equal value of votes. States are divided into Assembly constituencies, electing MLAs. Villages and towns are divided into wards for local body elections.

Reserved Constituencies

To ensure fair representation for weaker sections like Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), some constituencies are reserved for them. Only candidates from these communities can contest elections in these areas. This system is also applied to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) and women in local body elections to ensure their representation.

Voters’ List

An electoral roll, or voters' list, containing names of eligible voters (citizens aged 18 and above), is prepared and made public before elections. This ensures everyone has an equal opportunity to vote, with minimal restrictions (e.g., for criminals or those of unsound mind). Election Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) are used to prevent impersonation.

Nomination Of Candidates

Anyone eligible to vote (minimum age 18) can also become a candidate (minimum age 25), provided they meet certain criteria and are not disqualified due to criminal history. Candidates must fill a nomination form and declare details about criminal cases, assets, liabilities, and educational qualifications, making this information public for voters.

Election Campaign

During a two-week period between the announcement of candidates and polling, parties and candidates campaign to present their views and attract voters. Campaigns focus on key issues, and parties use slogans to mobilize support. Election laws regulate campaign practices, prohibiting bribery, threats, appeals to caste or religion, misuse of government resources, and excessive spending. The Model Code of Conduct further guides parties to ensure a fair election process.

Polling And Counting Of Votes

On election day, eligible voters cast their votes at polling booths, often using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) where they press a button corresponding to their chosen candidate. Agents of candidates monitor the process to ensure fairness. Votes are counted centrally after polling ends, and results are declared, determining the winners and the formation of the government.

What Makes Elections In India Democratic?

Several factors contribute to India's elections being considered democratic:

Independent Election Commission

India has a powerful and independent Election Commission (EC) responsible for conducting elections. The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President but is independent of the government, making it difficult to remove them. The EC manages all aspects of elections, implements the Code of Conduct, reprimands violations, and can order repolls if malpractice is detected. This independence ensures that elections are conducted fairly, free from government interference.

Popular Participation

High voter turnout, especially among the poor, illiterate, and underprivileged, indicates popular enthusiasm and belief in the electoral process. Unlike some Western democracies where participation declines, voter turnout in India has remained stable or increased, with many citizens actively engaging in election-related activities like campaigning.

Acceptance Of Election Outcome

A key indicator of democratic elections is the acceptance of results by losing parties. In India, ruling parties frequently lose elections, and defeated candidates or parties generally accept the people's verdict, demonstrating the legitimacy of the electoral process.

Challenges To Free And Fair Elections

Despite these strengths, Indian elections face challenges:

• Influence of Money and Power: Candidates with significant financial resources and larger parties have an unfair advantage.
• Criminalization of Politics: Individuals with criminal records sometimes manage to contest and win elections.
• Dynastic Politics: Political parties often dominate by family members, limiting opportunities for others.
• Limited Choice: Sometimes, major parties offer similar policies, reducing the real choice for voters.
• Disadvantage for Smaller Parties: Smaller parties and independent candidates face significant hurdles compared to larger ones.

These issues highlight the need for continuous electoral reforms to ensure a truly level playing field and enhance democratic participation.

Exercises

The chapter's exercises test understanding of electoral processes and democratic principles. Questions cover the reasons for elections, conditions for democratic elections, the role of political competition, and the features of India's electoral system (constituencies, reservations, voter lists, nominations, campaigns, polling, and counting). Students are asked to identify fair and unfair practices, analyze election results, assess the powers of the Election Commission, and evaluate popular participation. They also analyze challenges like money power, criminalization, and dynasty politics, and suggest reforms. Map skills involve understanding constituency distribution, and activities encourage reflection on family involvement in politics and personal voting experiences.