PPT: Electoral Politics

 Page 1


Electoral Politics
Page 2


Electoral Politics
What are Elections and why are
they Important?
Elections are a vital process in a democracy, allowing citizens to
choose representatives for decision-making. In large
communities, daily collective decision-making is impractical,
making elections essential. While alternative criteria like age or
education could select representatives, elections provide a
democratic mechanism for accountability. They enable citizens
to express preferences, choose lawmakers, form governments,
and guide policies. Elections ensure periodic evaluation and the
possibility of change, making them a fundamental aspect of
representative democracies.
Page 3


Electoral Politics
What are Elections and why are
they Important?
Elections are a vital process in a democracy, allowing citizens to
choose representatives for decision-making. In large
communities, daily collective decision-making is impractical,
making elections essential. While alternative criteria like age or
education could select representatives, elections provide a
democratic mechanism for accountability. They enable citizens
to express preferences, choose lawmakers, form governments,
and guide policies. Elections ensure periodic evaluation and the
possibility of change, making them a fundamental aspect of
representative democracies.
Assembly Election in Haryana 
Chaudhary Devi Lal's Lok Dal won the 1987 Haryana State
Assembly elections, forming a coalition against the ruling
Congress party. 
Devi Lal, promising loan waivers, secured a clear majority
with 60 out of 90 seats. After the victory, the Chief Minister
resigned, and Devi Lal became the new Chief Minister. 
His government swiftly fulfilled the promise by waiving loans
for farmers and small businessmen. 
Lok Dal ruled for four years until the 1991 elections, where
they lost to the Congress party, leading to a change in
government.
Page 4


Electoral Politics
What are Elections and why are
they Important?
Elections are a vital process in a democracy, allowing citizens to
choose representatives for decision-making. In large
communities, daily collective decision-making is impractical,
making elections essential. While alternative criteria like age or
education could select representatives, elections provide a
democratic mechanism for accountability. They enable citizens
to express preferences, choose lawmakers, form governments,
and guide policies. Elections ensure periodic evaluation and the
possibility of change, making them a fundamental aspect of
representative democracies.
Assembly Election in Haryana 
Chaudhary Devi Lal's Lok Dal won the 1987 Haryana State
Assembly elections, forming a coalition against the ruling
Congress party. 
Devi Lal, promising loan waivers, secured a clear majority
with 60 out of 90 seats. After the victory, the Chief Minister
resigned, and Devi Lal became the new Chief Minister. 
His government swiftly fulfilled the promise by waiving loans
for farmers and small businessmen. 
Lok Dal ruled for four years until the 1991 elections, where
they lost to the Congress party, leading to a change in
government.
What Makes an Election
Democratic? 
Universal
Adult
Franchise:
Every adult
has the right
to vote, and
each vote
holds equal
value.
Multiple
Parties and
Candidates:
People have
the freedom
to choose
from various
parties and
candidates.
Regular
Elections:
Elections are
held at fixed
intervals.
People's
Choice:
Candidates
preferred by
the majority
are elected.
Fair and Free
Environment:
Elections are
conducted
without bias
or
manipulation,
ensuring a
democratic
process. 
Page 5


Electoral Politics
What are Elections and why are
they Important?
Elections are a vital process in a democracy, allowing citizens to
choose representatives for decision-making. In large
communities, daily collective decision-making is impractical,
making elections essential. While alternative criteria like age or
education could select representatives, elections provide a
democratic mechanism for accountability. They enable citizens
to express preferences, choose lawmakers, form governments,
and guide policies. Elections ensure periodic evaluation and the
possibility of change, making them a fundamental aspect of
representative democracies.
Assembly Election in Haryana 
Chaudhary Devi Lal's Lok Dal won the 1987 Haryana State
Assembly elections, forming a coalition against the ruling
Congress party. 
Devi Lal, promising loan waivers, secured a clear majority
with 60 out of 90 seats. After the victory, the Chief Minister
resigned, and Devi Lal became the new Chief Minister. 
His government swiftly fulfilled the promise by waiving loans
for farmers and small businessmen. 
Lok Dal ruled for four years until the 1991 elections, where
they lost to the Congress party, leading to a change in
government.
What Makes an Election
Democratic? 
Universal
Adult
Franchise:
Every adult
has the right
to vote, and
each vote
holds equal
value.
Multiple
Parties and
Candidates:
People have
the freedom
to choose
from various
parties and
candidates.
Regular
Elections:
Elections are
held at fixed
intervals.
People's
Choice:
Candidates
preferred by
the majority
are elected.
Fair and Free
Environment:
Elections are
conducted
without bias
or
manipulation,
ensuring a
democratic
process. 
Is it good to have
Political Competition?
Demerits
Creates a sense of
disunity and ‘party politics.
Parties level allegations
against each other of
using dirty tricks to win
elections.
Long-term policies cannot
be formulated.
Good people do not enter
politics.
Merits
Elections are good
because they force the
ruling party to perform. 
The government is aware
that it will be voted out of
power if it does not
perform as the people
expect.
It forces parties and
leaders to perform, so
competition is good.