Chapter 7 – Elections
Elections provide citizens with an opportunity to choose their representatives. Through elections, people participate in the formation of government and can also replace their representatives when necessary.
1. Meaning of Elections
An election is a democratic process through which citizens choose their representatives. In a democratic system, elections are an important means of making the government accountable to the people.
In a large democratic country like India, it is not possible for every citizen to participate directly in every government decision. Therefore, citizens elect representatives to govern on their behalf.
2. Why Are Elections Necessary in a Democracy?
- They provide people with an opportunity to choose their representatives.
- They make governments accountable to citizens.
- They provide an opportunity to change the government.
- Political parties and candidates present their policies before the people.
- Citizens can evaluate the performance of the government.
3. Main Features of Democratic Elections
A democratic election is not simply the act of voting. Citizens must have a genuine opportunity to express their choice freely.
- Right to vote for eligible citizens.
- Regular elections.
- Choice among different candidates and political parties.
- Free and fair elections.
- Secret ballot.
- Freedom of voters to cast their votes.
4. Universal Adult Franchise
In India, adult citizens have the right to vote without discrimination, subject to the qualifications prescribed by law.
Universal adult franchise is an important foundation of political equality.
5. Constituencies
For the purpose of elections, a country is divided into different geographical areas. Each such area is called a constituency.
Voters in a constituency elect their representative.
6. Reserved Constituencies
In India, certain constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure political representation for historically disadvantaged communities.
The purpose of reservation is to provide adequate representation to communities that have faced historical social and political disadvantages.
7. Election Process
Elections in India are conducted through a defined process.
- Delimitation of constituencies.
- Preparation of electoral rolls.
- Nomination of candidates.
- Scrutiny of nomination papers.
- Election campaigning.
- Polling.
- Counting of votes.
- Declaration of results.
8. Election Campaign
During election campaigns, political parties and candidates present their policies, programmes and ideas before voters.
The purpose of campaigning is to communicate with voters and seek their support.
9. Role of Political Parties
- Selecting candidates.
- Issuing election manifestos.
- Presenting policies before citizens.
- Conducting election campaigns.
- Forming the government or performing the role of opposition.
10. Election Commission of India
The Election Commission of India is an important constitutional institution responsible for conducting and supervising elections.
Its major objective is to ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair and systematic manner.
11. Electoral Roll
An electoral roll contains the names of citizens who are eligible to vote in an election.
An accurate and updated electoral roll is essential for free and fair elections.
12. EVM and VVPAT
Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are used for casting votes in India. The VVPAT system provides a means for voters to verify their vote through a printed paper trail.
13. Importance of Free and Fair Elections
If elections are not free and fair, the genuine choice of the people may not be reflected in the government. Therefore, free and fair elections are essential for the success of democracy.
14. Major Challenges in Elections
- Influence of money power.
- Use of muscle power.
- False or misleading information.
- Attempts to influence voters unfairly.
- Caste and religion-based politics.
- Violation of electoral rules.
Quick Revision
Elections = Choice of Representatives + People's Participation + Accountability + Opportunity to Change Government
Important Terms
- Election: A democratic process of choosing representatives.
- Constituency: A geographical area from which a representative is elected.
- Electoral Roll: A list of eligible voters.
- Nomination: The process of formally putting forward a candidate for election.
- Election Campaign: The process through which candidates and parties present their policies to voters.
- Election Commission: The constitutional institution responsible for conducting and supervising elections in India.
Important Questions for Practice
- What is an election?
- Why are elections necessary in a democracy?
- Explain the main features of democratic elections.
- What is meant by universal adult franchise?
- What is a constituency?
- Why are reserved constituencies necessary in India?
- Explain the election process in India in a systematic manner.
- What role do political parties play in elections?
- Explain the major functions of the Election Commission.
- Why are free and fair elections essential for democracy?