Important Questions (1 mark): Electoral Politics - Class 9

The Congress party led by Indira Gandhi gave the slogan of Garibi Hatao (Remove poverty) in the Lok Sabha elections of 1971. The party promised to reorient all the policies of the government to remove poverty from the country.

Electronic Voting Machine ( EVM ) is an electronic device for recording votes. This will enable the voter to cast his vote by pressing the blue button on the Balloting Unit against the candidate and symbol of his choice.

 In India, Members of Election Commission are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister who is advised by the Council of Ministers. Hence, 'A' is the correct answer.

The spirit of democracy means government by the people , for the people and to the people. Therefore, giving right to vote is foremost criteria to hold on.

The electoral roll is a list of persons who are eligible to vote in a particular electoral district and who are registered to vote, if required in a particular jurisdiction.

Booth Capturing is a practice carried out by members of a political party during an election, that involves staying in a polling booth for long periods of time, stopping people entering who are registered to vote, and voting in their place in order to give the party an unfair advantage.

There are currently 543 constituencies in Lok Sabha. Maximum size of Lok Sabha as outlined in the Constitution of India is 550 in which 530 members represent people of the states of India and 20 members representing people from the Union Territories on the basis of their population.

For ensuring that there is just ways to function there should be proper guidelines and therefore mandated code of conduct.

When the five-year limit is up, or the legislature has been dissolved and new elections have been called, the Election Commission puts into effect the machinery for holding an election. The Commission normally announces the schedule of elections in a major Press Conference a few weeks before the formal process is set in motion. A separate date for counting is fixed and the results declared for each constituency by the concerned Returning Officer.

The voters choose their government. They choose who will govern them and make rules and policies for their governance and betterment.

Article 84 (b) of Constitution of India provides that the minimum age for becoming a candidate for Lok Sabha election shall be 25 years. Similar provision exists for a candidate to the Legislative Assemblies vide Article 173 (b) of the Constitution read with Sec. 36 (2) of the R. P. Act, 1950.

The elections should be free and fair. Use of money or muscle power are considered unfair means of campaigning.

Elections in India for Parliament and State Legislatures are conducted by the Election Commission of India.
The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional authority responsible for ensuring free and fair elections in the country. It is a permanent body established under the provisions of the Constitution of India.
Functions of the Election Commission of India:
- Conducting elections: The Election Commission is responsible for conducting elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President of India. It oversees the entire electoral process, from the preparation of electoral rolls to the counting of votes.
- Delimitation of constituencies: The Commission is responsible for the delimitation of constituencies for elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures. It reviews and determines the boundaries of electoral constituencies to ensure equal representation.
- Voter registration: The Election Commission oversees the registration of voters and the preparation of electoral rolls. It ensures that eligible citizens are enrolled as voters and that the electoral rolls are accurate and up to date.
- Election code of conduct: The Commission enforces the Model Code of Conduct, which is a set of guidelines for political parties and candidates to ensure fair and ethical campaigning during elections.
- Monitoring and enforcement: The Election Commission monitors the conduct of elections and takes necessary measures to prevent malpractices and electoral fraud. It has the authority to cancel elections in case of irregularities and misconduct.
- Electoral reforms: The Commission works towards electoral reforms and improving the electoral process in India. It suggests amendments to election laws and recommends changes to strengthen the democratic system.
Conclusion:
The Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting elections in India for Parliament and State Legislatures. It plays a crucial role in ensuring free and fair elections and upholding the democratic principles of the country.

In the UK a writ for a by-election must be issued within three months of a vacancy arising. In the United States, special elections are held when a seat in the House of Representatives, state legislature, or local legislature becomes vacant.

The nature of democracy is that elected officials are accountable to the people, and they must return to the voters at prescribed intervals to seek their mandate to continue in office. For that reason most democratic constitutions provide that elections are held at fixed regular intervals.

The party in power often loses elections. It is always the anti-incumbency factor working against it.

A total of 131 seats (24.03%) are reserved for representatives of Scheduled Castes (84) and Scheduled Tribes (47).

The Chief election commission of India is appointed by the president on the recommendation of council minister of India under article 324(2) constitution of India.