Textbook: The Electoral Process | History and Political Science Class 10 (Maharashtra Board) PDF Download

 Page 1


75
2. The Electoral Process
Elections have played a major role in 
the working of India’s democracy. 
Elections and representation are two very 
important processes in democracy. We 
know that people’s representatives are 
selected through elections. Elections help 
to bring a change in power through 
peaceful means. Different political parties 
get an opportunity to rule. Policies of the 
government and life of society also 
changes. We expect that the representatives 
we elect should be efficient, honest, and 
trustworthy and that they should respect 
the opinion of people.  The electoral 
process should also be free, fair and 
reliable. To ensure that, the Constitution 
of India has made provision for an 
independent Election Commission to 
administer the election process in India. 
The Election Commission of India 
and the State level State Election 
Commissions conduct all important 
elections in our country. The entire process 
of elections from declaring the date of 
elections to the declaration of results is 
carried out under the direction and control 
of Election Commission. The election 
process is an inseparable component of a 
comprehensive democratic process.
In this chapter we will understand the 
structure, functions and role of the Election 
Commission. We will also discuss the 
reforms required to be made in the 
electoral process. 
Election Commission
In India, the Election Commission is 
central to the process of elections. Art. 
324 of the Indian Constitution has 
established this autonomous body which 
consists of one Chief Election 
Commissioner and two other 
commissioners. 
What is representation? Modern 
democracy is a representative 
democracy. In a democracy it is not 
possible to involve the entire 
population in the decision-making 
process. This resulted in the starting 
of the practice of electing some 
people on behalf of entire population 
as representatives who would run 
the government. The representatives 
who form the government are 
expected to be responsible to the 
people and give preference to the 
welfare of the people.
Do you know ?
Do you know ?
Sukumar Sen 
Sukumar Sen was the first chief 
election commissioner after independence. 
In 1921, Sen was 
selected for Indian 
Civil Services under 
the British rule. He 
was given the charge 
of the Election 
Commissioner after 
the Election 
Commission was 
established in 1950. 
Mr. Sen efficiently 
handled the responsibility of the Election 
Commission in extremely adverse 
conditions. 
Page 2


75
2. The Electoral Process
Elections have played a major role in 
the working of India’s democracy. 
Elections and representation are two very 
important processes in democracy. We 
know that people’s representatives are 
selected through elections. Elections help 
to bring a change in power through 
peaceful means. Different political parties 
get an opportunity to rule. Policies of the 
government and life of society also 
changes. We expect that the representatives 
we elect should be efficient, honest, and 
trustworthy and that they should respect 
the opinion of people.  The electoral 
process should also be free, fair and 
reliable. To ensure that, the Constitution 
of India has made provision for an 
independent Election Commission to 
administer the election process in India. 
The Election Commission of India 
and the State level State Election 
Commissions conduct all important 
elections in our country. The entire process 
of elections from declaring the date of 
elections to the declaration of results is 
carried out under the direction and control 
of Election Commission. The election 
process is an inseparable component of a 
comprehensive democratic process.
In this chapter we will understand the 
structure, functions and role of the Election 
Commission. We will also discuss the 
reforms required to be made in the 
electoral process. 
Election Commission
In India, the Election Commission is 
central to the process of elections. Art. 
324 of the Indian Constitution has 
established this autonomous body which 
consists of one Chief Election 
Commissioner and two other 
commissioners. 
What is representation? Modern 
democracy is a representative 
democracy. In a democracy it is not 
possible to involve the entire 
population in the decision-making 
process. This resulted in the starting 
of the practice of electing some 
people on behalf of entire population 
as representatives who would run 
the government. The representatives 
who form the government are 
expected to be responsible to the 
people and give preference to the 
welfare of the people.
Do you know ?
Do you know ?
Sukumar Sen 
Sukumar Sen was the first chief 
election commissioner after independence. 
In 1921, Sen was 
selected for Indian 
Civil Services under 
the British rule. He 
was given the charge 
of the Election 
Commissioner after 
the Election 
Commission was 
established in 1950. 
Mr. Sen efficiently 
handled the responsibility of the Election 
Commission in extremely adverse 
conditions. 
76
Can you tell ?
What criteria are laid down by the 
Election Commission for giving 
recognition to political parties ?
The President appoints the election 
commissioners. The Chief Election 
Commissioner cannot be removed from his 
post easily or on account of any political 
reasons. This is necessary so as to preserve 
the independence of election commission. 
There is a separate provision made for the 
expenses of Election Commission. 
The Election Commission does not 
have a separate staff. Government officers, 
teachers and other employees help the 
Election Commission to execute the 
process of elections.
 When candidates have only the 
condition of age as eligibility, why 
should they give other information 
to election commission ?
 Why are the candidates required to 
give the information of their property 
to Election Commission ?
Why is it required ?
(2) Decide the timetable and the 
programme of elections : The conduct 
of elections is entirely the responsibility 
of the Election Commission. The Election 
Commission decides when to conduct 
elections and in how many stages to hold 
elections in every state. 
(3) Scrutiny of the applications of 
candidates : After the election dates are 
declared, every political party selects the 
candidates to contest elections. Some 
candidates contest the elections 
independently without the support of any 
political party. Candidates of political 
parties as well as independent candidates 
have to fill the applications which include 
the information about their own self. The 
Election Commission scrutinises all the 
applications and allows the eligible 
candidates to contest the elections. 
(4) Give recognition to political 
parties : We have a multiparty system in 
our country. New parties continue to be 
Special campaign to create 
awareness among voters is run for 
voter’s registration. The National Voter’s 
Day is celebrated for the purpose.
Do you know ?
Functions of Election Commission
(1) Preparing the voters list : Every 
Indian citizen who has completed 18 
years of age has a right to vote. To 
exercise the right to vote, citizen’s name 
must be in the voters list. It is the 
responsibility of the Election Commission 
to prepare the list of eligible voters, 
update the existing voter’s list and include 
the names of new voters. The Election 
Commission has the authority to issue 
identity cards to the voters. 
 Some constituencies are kept 
reserved for Scheduled caste and 
Scheduled tribes.
 Every political party has an election 
symbol.
 At the time of voting and counting 
of votes, the official representatives 
of political parties remain present.
 Recognised parties have equal 
opportunity to present their side 
before media such as television and 
radio. 
Why is it so ?
Page 3


75
2. The Electoral Process
Elections have played a major role in 
the working of India’s democracy. 
Elections and representation are two very 
important processes in democracy. We 
know that people’s representatives are 
selected through elections. Elections help 
to bring a change in power through 
peaceful means. Different political parties 
get an opportunity to rule. Policies of the 
government and life of society also 
changes. We expect that the representatives 
we elect should be efficient, honest, and 
trustworthy and that they should respect 
the opinion of people.  The electoral 
process should also be free, fair and 
reliable. To ensure that, the Constitution 
of India has made provision for an 
independent Election Commission to 
administer the election process in India. 
The Election Commission of India 
and the State level State Election 
Commissions conduct all important 
elections in our country. The entire process 
of elections from declaring the date of 
elections to the declaration of results is 
carried out under the direction and control 
of Election Commission. The election 
process is an inseparable component of a 
comprehensive democratic process.
In this chapter we will understand the 
structure, functions and role of the Election 
Commission. We will also discuss the 
reforms required to be made in the 
electoral process. 
Election Commission
In India, the Election Commission is 
central to the process of elections. Art. 
324 of the Indian Constitution has 
established this autonomous body which 
consists of one Chief Election 
Commissioner and two other 
commissioners. 
What is representation? Modern 
democracy is a representative 
democracy. In a democracy it is not 
possible to involve the entire 
population in the decision-making 
process. This resulted in the starting 
of the practice of electing some 
people on behalf of entire population 
as representatives who would run 
the government. The representatives 
who form the government are 
expected to be responsible to the 
people and give preference to the 
welfare of the people.
Do you know ?
Do you know ?
Sukumar Sen 
Sukumar Sen was the first chief 
election commissioner after independence. 
In 1921, Sen was 
selected for Indian 
Civil Services under 
the British rule. He 
was given the charge 
of the Election 
Commissioner after 
the Election 
Commission was 
established in 1950. 
Mr. Sen efficiently 
handled the responsibility of the Election 
Commission in extremely adverse 
conditions. 
76
Can you tell ?
What criteria are laid down by the 
Election Commission for giving 
recognition to political parties ?
The President appoints the election 
commissioners. The Chief Election 
Commissioner cannot be removed from his 
post easily or on account of any political 
reasons. This is necessary so as to preserve 
the independence of election commission. 
There is a separate provision made for the 
expenses of Election Commission. 
The Election Commission does not 
have a separate staff. Government officers, 
teachers and other employees help the 
Election Commission to execute the 
process of elections.
 When candidates have only the 
condition of age as eligibility, why 
should they give other information 
to election commission ?
 Why are the candidates required to 
give the information of their property 
to Election Commission ?
Why is it required ?
(2) Decide the timetable and the 
programme of elections : The conduct 
of elections is entirely the responsibility 
of the Election Commission. The Election 
Commission decides when to conduct 
elections and in how many stages to hold 
elections in every state. 
(3) Scrutiny of the applications of 
candidates : After the election dates are 
declared, every political party selects the 
candidates to contest elections. Some 
candidates contest the elections 
independently without the support of any 
political party. Candidates of political 
parties as well as independent candidates 
have to fill the applications which include 
the information about their own self. The 
Election Commission scrutinises all the 
applications and allows the eligible 
candidates to contest the elections. 
(4) Give recognition to political 
parties : We have a multiparty system in 
our country. New parties continue to be 
Special campaign to create 
awareness among voters is run for 
voter’s registration. The National Voter’s 
Day is celebrated for the purpose.
Do you know ?
Functions of Election Commission
(1) Preparing the voters list : Every 
Indian citizen who has completed 18 
years of age has a right to vote. To 
exercise the right to vote, citizen’s name 
must be in the voters list. It is the 
responsibility of the Election Commission 
to prepare the list of eligible voters, 
update the existing voter’s list and include 
the names of new voters. The Election 
Commission has the authority to issue 
identity cards to the voters. 
 Some constituencies are kept 
reserved for Scheduled caste and 
Scheduled tribes.
 Every political party has an election 
symbol.
 At the time of voting and counting 
of votes, the official representatives 
of political parties remain present.
 Recognised parties have equal 
opportunity to present their side 
before media such as television and 
radio. 
Why is it so ?
77
formed. Split in the parties results in the 
formation of new parties. All political 
parties are required to be recognised by 
the Election Commission. Election 
Commission also has a right to derecognise 
any political party. The Election 
Commission also allots election symbols 
to the political parties. 
(5) To resolve any disputes relating 
to elections : The Election Commission 
Which two conditions among 
following is the violation of code of 
conduct?
* The candidate distributes items of 
household use.
* Promise made to resolve the water 
problem if elected.
* To go from door to door to meet 
voters and request them to vote.
* To appeal on the basis of caste and 
religion to get support.
Which of these rules would you 
include in the code of conduct for 
voters?
Sham Sharan 
Negi from 
Himachal Pradesh 
was the first voter 
of India. He 
exercised his right 
to vote on 25th 
Remember this.
Who is superior ? 
the Government 
or the Election 
Commission?
has the responsibility of resolving any 
disputes that may arise regarding elections. 
Accordingly, to declare any candidate as 
disqualified or conduct re-election in a 
particular constituency is the responsibility 
of the Election Commission. 
Please understand
Voting is our duty as well as a 
responsibility.
Government has to 
observe the code of 
conduct declared by the 
Election Commission. 
October 1951 in Loksabha Elections.
Page 4


75
2. The Electoral Process
Elections have played a major role in 
the working of India’s democracy. 
Elections and representation are two very 
important processes in democracy. We 
know that people’s representatives are 
selected through elections. Elections help 
to bring a change in power through 
peaceful means. Different political parties 
get an opportunity to rule. Policies of the 
government and life of society also 
changes. We expect that the representatives 
we elect should be efficient, honest, and 
trustworthy and that they should respect 
the opinion of people.  The electoral 
process should also be free, fair and 
reliable. To ensure that, the Constitution 
of India has made provision for an 
independent Election Commission to 
administer the election process in India. 
The Election Commission of India 
and the State level State Election 
Commissions conduct all important 
elections in our country. The entire process 
of elections from declaring the date of 
elections to the declaration of results is 
carried out under the direction and control 
of Election Commission. The election 
process is an inseparable component of a 
comprehensive democratic process.
In this chapter we will understand the 
structure, functions and role of the Election 
Commission. We will also discuss the 
reforms required to be made in the 
electoral process. 
Election Commission
In India, the Election Commission is 
central to the process of elections. Art. 
324 of the Indian Constitution has 
established this autonomous body which 
consists of one Chief Election 
Commissioner and two other 
commissioners. 
What is representation? Modern 
democracy is a representative 
democracy. In a democracy it is not 
possible to involve the entire 
population in the decision-making 
process. This resulted in the starting 
of the practice of electing some 
people on behalf of entire population 
as representatives who would run 
the government. The representatives 
who form the government are 
expected to be responsible to the 
people and give preference to the 
welfare of the people.
Do you know ?
Do you know ?
Sukumar Sen 
Sukumar Sen was the first chief 
election commissioner after independence. 
In 1921, Sen was 
selected for Indian 
Civil Services under 
the British rule. He 
was given the charge 
of the Election 
Commissioner after 
the Election 
Commission was 
established in 1950. 
Mr. Sen efficiently 
handled the responsibility of the Election 
Commission in extremely adverse 
conditions. 
76
Can you tell ?
What criteria are laid down by the 
Election Commission for giving 
recognition to political parties ?
The President appoints the election 
commissioners. The Chief Election 
Commissioner cannot be removed from his 
post easily or on account of any political 
reasons. This is necessary so as to preserve 
the independence of election commission. 
There is a separate provision made for the 
expenses of Election Commission. 
The Election Commission does not 
have a separate staff. Government officers, 
teachers and other employees help the 
Election Commission to execute the 
process of elections.
 When candidates have only the 
condition of age as eligibility, why 
should they give other information 
to election commission ?
 Why are the candidates required to 
give the information of their property 
to Election Commission ?
Why is it required ?
(2) Decide the timetable and the 
programme of elections : The conduct 
of elections is entirely the responsibility 
of the Election Commission. The Election 
Commission decides when to conduct 
elections and in how many stages to hold 
elections in every state. 
(3) Scrutiny of the applications of 
candidates : After the election dates are 
declared, every political party selects the 
candidates to contest elections. Some 
candidates contest the elections 
independently without the support of any 
political party. Candidates of political 
parties as well as independent candidates 
have to fill the applications which include 
the information about their own self. The 
Election Commission scrutinises all the 
applications and allows the eligible 
candidates to contest the elections. 
(4) Give recognition to political 
parties : We have a multiparty system in 
our country. New parties continue to be 
Special campaign to create 
awareness among voters is run for 
voter’s registration. The National Voter’s 
Day is celebrated for the purpose.
Do you know ?
Functions of Election Commission
(1) Preparing the voters list : Every 
Indian citizen who has completed 18 
years of age has a right to vote. To 
exercise the right to vote, citizen’s name 
must be in the voters list. It is the 
responsibility of the Election Commission 
to prepare the list of eligible voters, 
update the existing voter’s list and include 
the names of new voters. The Election 
Commission has the authority to issue 
identity cards to the voters. 
 Some constituencies are kept 
reserved for Scheduled caste and 
Scheduled tribes.
 Every political party has an election 
symbol.
 At the time of voting and counting 
of votes, the official representatives 
of political parties remain present.
 Recognised parties have equal 
opportunity to present their side 
before media such as television and 
radio. 
Why is it so ?
77
formed. Split in the parties results in the 
formation of new parties. All political 
parties are required to be recognised by 
the Election Commission. Election 
Commission also has a right to derecognise 
any political party. The Election 
Commission also allots election symbols 
to the political parties. 
(5) To resolve any disputes relating 
to elections : The Election Commission 
Which two conditions among 
following is the violation of code of 
conduct?
* The candidate distributes items of 
household use.
* Promise made to resolve the water 
problem if elected.
* To go from door to door to meet 
voters and request them to vote.
* To appeal on the basis of caste and 
religion to get support.
Which of these rules would you 
include in the code of conduct for 
voters?
Sham Sharan 
Negi from 
Himachal Pradesh 
was the first voter 
of India. He 
exercised his right 
to vote on 25th 
Remember this.
Who is superior ? 
the Government 
or the Election 
Commission?
has the responsibility of resolving any 
disputes that may arise regarding elections. 
Accordingly, to declare any candidate as 
disqualified or conduct re-election in a 
particular constituency is the responsibility 
of the Election Commission. 
Please understand
Voting is our duty as well as a 
responsibility.
Government has to 
observe the code of 
conduct declared by the 
Election Commission. 
October 1951 in Loksabha Elections.
78
Restructuring of the Constituency : 
The total number of members in Loksabha 
is 543.  How are these members elected? 
Every member represents one constituency. 
It means there are 543 constituencies of 
Loksabha. Creating constituencies is the 
responsibility of the Delimitation 
Commission. The Delimitation 
Commission does not succumb to any 
pressure while restructuring the 
constituencies.
What is a code of conduct ?
To ensure free and fair elections in 
India, the Election Commission has 
adopted several measures. The Code of 
Conduct is one of the measures adopted 
by the Election Commission.  In the last 
few decades, the Election Commission 
has used its powers to control malpractices 
during elections. The Code of Conduct 
explains the rules that are to be followed 
by the Government, political parties and 
voters before elections and during elections. 
Even the Government cannot violate these 
rules. Due to the strict observance of the 
code of conduct in the last few elections, 
the common voters have become confident. 
Challenges in conducting free and 
fair elections : If we take into account 
the size of our country and the number 
of voters, conducting elections becomes a 
truly challenging task. The Election 
Commission has to work in accordance 
with the law while dealing with these 
challenges. Some of the challenges are 
mentioned below :
 Misuse of money takes place to a 
great extent during elections. The 
Election Commission has to take 
several measures to stop such a misuse 
of money. 
 Many political parties give election 
tickets to the candidates with criminal 
background. This results not only in 
criminalisation of politics but the 
Election Commission also faces 
problems in ensuring that elections are 
conducted in free environment. 
 Another major challenge is violence 
during elections. The extent of violence 
has increased significantly during 
At the time of first elections, 
preparing the voter’s list was a 
challenging task. As many people 
were illiterate, the special procedure 
of voting was used during elections. 
20 lacs steel boxes were made for 
voting purpose.  Election symbols 
were stuck on the boxes.  The voters 
were given the blank ballot papers 
which they were supposed to drop in 
the box having the election symbol of 
the party they wanted to vote for.  
This system ensured that even the 
illiterate people could vote.
Do you know ?
Process of elections
Establishment of constituencies
Finalising voter’s list
Nomination of candidates and  
scrutiny of their nomination forms
Election campaign
Actual voting
Counting of votes
Results of elections
Resolution of disputes regarding 
elections
Page 5


75
2. The Electoral Process
Elections have played a major role in 
the working of India’s democracy. 
Elections and representation are two very 
important processes in democracy. We 
know that people’s representatives are 
selected through elections. Elections help 
to bring a change in power through 
peaceful means. Different political parties 
get an opportunity to rule. Policies of the 
government and life of society also 
changes. We expect that the representatives 
we elect should be efficient, honest, and 
trustworthy and that they should respect 
the opinion of people.  The electoral 
process should also be free, fair and 
reliable. To ensure that, the Constitution 
of India has made provision for an 
independent Election Commission to 
administer the election process in India. 
The Election Commission of India 
and the State level State Election 
Commissions conduct all important 
elections in our country. The entire process 
of elections from declaring the date of 
elections to the declaration of results is 
carried out under the direction and control 
of Election Commission. The election 
process is an inseparable component of a 
comprehensive democratic process.
In this chapter we will understand the 
structure, functions and role of the Election 
Commission. We will also discuss the 
reforms required to be made in the 
electoral process. 
Election Commission
In India, the Election Commission is 
central to the process of elections. Art. 
324 of the Indian Constitution has 
established this autonomous body which 
consists of one Chief Election 
Commissioner and two other 
commissioners. 
What is representation? Modern 
democracy is a representative 
democracy. In a democracy it is not 
possible to involve the entire 
population in the decision-making 
process. This resulted in the starting 
of the practice of electing some 
people on behalf of entire population 
as representatives who would run 
the government. The representatives 
who form the government are 
expected to be responsible to the 
people and give preference to the 
welfare of the people.
Do you know ?
Do you know ?
Sukumar Sen 
Sukumar Sen was the first chief 
election commissioner after independence. 
In 1921, Sen was 
selected for Indian 
Civil Services under 
the British rule. He 
was given the charge 
of the Election 
Commissioner after 
the Election 
Commission was 
established in 1950. 
Mr. Sen efficiently 
handled the responsibility of the Election 
Commission in extremely adverse 
conditions. 
76
Can you tell ?
What criteria are laid down by the 
Election Commission for giving 
recognition to political parties ?
The President appoints the election 
commissioners. The Chief Election 
Commissioner cannot be removed from his 
post easily or on account of any political 
reasons. This is necessary so as to preserve 
the independence of election commission. 
There is a separate provision made for the 
expenses of Election Commission. 
The Election Commission does not 
have a separate staff. Government officers, 
teachers and other employees help the 
Election Commission to execute the 
process of elections.
 When candidates have only the 
condition of age as eligibility, why 
should they give other information 
to election commission ?
 Why are the candidates required to 
give the information of their property 
to Election Commission ?
Why is it required ?
(2) Decide the timetable and the 
programme of elections : The conduct 
of elections is entirely the responsibility 
of the Election Commission. The Election 
Commission decides when to conduct 
elections and in how many stages to hold 
elections in every state. 
(3) Scrutiny of the applications of 
candidates : After the election dates are 
declared, every political party selects the 
candidates to contest elections. Some 
candidates contest the elections 
independently without the support of any 
political party. Candidates of political 
parties as well as independent candidates 
have to fill the applications which include 
the information about their own self. The 
Election Commission scrutinises all the 
applications and allows the eligible 
candidates to contest the elections. 
(4) Give recognition to political 
parties : We have a multiparty system in 
our country. New parties continue to be 
Special campaign to create 
awareness among voters is run for 
voter’s registration. The National Voter’s 
Day is celebrated for the purpose.
Do you know ?
Functions of Election Commission
(1) Preparing the voters list : Every 
Indian citizen who has completed 18 
years of age has a right to vote. To 
exercise the right to vote, citizen’s name 
must be in the voters list. It is the 
responsibility of the Election Commission 
to prepare the list of eligible voters, 
update the existing voter’s list and include 
the names of new voters. The Election 
Commission has the authority to issue 
identity cards to the voters. 
 Some constituencies are kept 
reserved for Scheduled caste and 
Scheduled tribes.
 Every political party has an election 
symbol.
 At the time of voting and counting 
of votes, the official representatives 
of political parties remain present.
 Recognised parties have equal 
opportunity to present their side 
before media such as television and 
radio. 
Why is it so ?
77
formed. Split in the parties results in the 
formation of new parties. All political 
parties are required to be recognised by 
the Election Commission. Election 
Commission also has a right to derecognise 
any political party. The Election 
Commission also allots election symbols 
to the political parties. 
(5) To resolve any disputes relating 
to elections : The Election Commission 
Which two conditions among 
following is the violation of code of 
conduct?
* The candidate distributes items of 
household use.
* Promise made to resolve the water 
problem if elected.
* To go from door to door to meet 
voters and request them to vote.
* To appeal on the basis of caste and 
religion to get support.
Which of these rules would you 
include in the code of conduct for 
voters?
Sham Sharan 
Negi from 
Himachal Pradesh 
was the first voter 
of India. He 
exercised his right 
to vote on 25th 
Remember this.
Who is superior ? 
the Government 
or the Election 
Commission?
has the responsibility of resolving any 
disputes that may arise regarding elections. 
Accordingly, to declare any candidate as 
disqualified or conduct re-election in a 
particular constituency is the responsibility 
of the Election Commission. 
Please understand
Voting is our duty as well as a 
responsibility.
Government has to 
observe the code of 
conduct declared by the 
Election Commission. 
October 1951 in Loksabha Elections.
78
Restructuring of the Constituency : 
The total number of members in Loksabha 
is 543.  How are these members elected? 
Every member represents one constituency. 
It means there are 543 constituencies of 
Loksabha. Creating constituencies is the 
responsibility of the Delimitation 
Commission. The Delimitation 
Commission does not succumb to any 
pressure while restructuring the 
constituencies.
What is a code of conduct ?
To ensure free and fair elections in 
India, the Election Commission has 
adopted several measures. The Code of 
Conduct is one of the measures adopted 
by the Election Commission.  In the last 
few decades, the Election Commission 
has used its powers to control malpractices 
during elections. The Code of Conduct 
explains the rules that are to be followed 
by the Government, political parties and 
voters before elections and during elections. 
Even the Government cannot violate these 
rules. Due to the strict observance of the 
code of conduct in the last few elections, 
the common voters have become confident. 
Challenges in conducting free and 
fair elections : If we take into account 
the size of our country and the number 
of voters, conducting elections becomes a 
truly challenging task. The Election 
Commission has to work in accordance 
with the law while dealing with these 
challenges. Some of the challenges are 
mentioned below :
 Misuse of money takes place to a 
great extent during elections. The 
Election Commission has to take 
several measures to stop such a misuse 
of money. 
 Many political parties give election 
tickets to the candidates with criminal 
background. This results not only in 
criminalisation of politics but the 
Election Commission also faces 
problems in ensuring that elections are 
conducted in free environment. 
 Another major challenge is violence 
during elections. The extent of violence 
has increased significantly during 
At the time of first elections, 
preparing the voter’s list was a 
challenging task. As many people 
were illiterate, the special procedure 
of voting was used during elections. 
20 lacs steel boxes were made for 
voting purpose.  Election symbols 
were stuck on the boxes.  The voters 
were given the blank ballot papers 
which they were supposed to drop in 
the box having the election symbol of 
the party they wanted to vote for.  
This system ensured that even the 
illiterate people could vote.
Do you know ?
Process of elections
Establishment of constituencies
Finalising voter’s list
Nomination of candidates and  
scrutiny of their nomination forms
Election campaign
Actual voting
Counting of votes
Results of elections
Resolution of disputes regarding 
elections
79
Think.
 How political parties suffer due 
to family monopoly in the party ?
 What do you understand by the 
system of ‘one vote one value’ ?  
 To increase participation of women in 
politics, the political parties should 
give 50% candidature to women 
candidates and try to ensure that they 
get elected.
 Political parties should not give 
candidature to candidates having 
criminal background. They should 
strictly follow the decision given by 
courts in this respect.
 The Government should take care of 
election expenses. To ensure that 
parties will not make misuse of money 
and mismanagement of money during 
elections can be stopped.
 Representation of the Peoples Act 
should be amended so that candidates 
having criminal background would not 
be able to participate in elections. 
Electoral reforms : Elections is a 
continuous process. The future of 
democracy depends on elections. Electoral 
process becomes reliable if election 
process gets improved. Some reforms are 
suggested below. What will be its effects 
according to you ? 
The first election in 
independent India was held in 
1951-52. This was the beginning 
of shaping of democracy 
through electoral politics. In the 
initial elections ballot boxes 
were used for the purpose of 
voting. The use of EVM 
machines started from the 
decade of 1990s. Many things 
could be achieved because of 
voting machine. If the voters 
do not want to vote for any 
candidate, they could choose an 
option of ‘None of the above’ 
Journey from ballot boxes to EVM machines
elections. All political parties should 
help The Election Commission to 
control this violence. 
 To retain a continuing influence on 
politics, leaders give election tickets to 
their own relatives. This practice 
creates a family monopoly in politics.
– (NOTA). It has become easy for disabled 
people (Divyanga) to vote. It reduced the 
cutting of trees for paper and thereby helped 
in the protection of environment. It has also 
been possible to have an early declaration of 
election results.