Class 9 Civics Chapter 3 Notes - Electoral Politics

Electoral Politics

Electoral Politics refers to the process by which representatives are chosen by the people to govern in a democracy. This includes all activities related to elections, such as campaigning, voting, and announcing results.

Electoral Politics

In a democratic system, citizens govern indirectly by electing representatives through elections. This chapter looks at the crucial role of elections in democracy, discussing why they are needed and how they function. We start by exploring why elections are important and beneficial in a democracy. We also examine how competition among political parties serves the interests of the people. We will then discuss what makes an election democratic, aiming to distinguish between democratic and non-democratic elections.

Minimum Conditions for Democratic Elections

To understand what makes an election democratic, we outline the basic conditions required for a democratic election:

• Firstly, everyone should be able to choose. This means each person has one vote, and every vote holds equal weight.
• Secondly, there should be options available. Political parties and candidates must be free to run for election and provide real choices to voters.
• Thirdly, elections should occur at regular intervals. This means elections are held every few years.
• Fourthly, the candidate chosen by the people should win.
• Lastly, elections must be conducted fairly, allowing people to vote according to their true preferences.

This chapter will also evaluate elections in India based on these conditions. We will analyze each phase of the electoral process, from drawing up constituencies to announcing results. Key activities related to elections include:

• Publishing election manifestos
• Counting votes
• Preparing voters' lists
• Running election campaigns
• Announcing election results
• Casting votes

By examining these aspects, we can gain a better understanding of the dynamics of electoral politics and the challenges involved in ensuring free and fair elections.

Why Elections?

Elections are essential in a democracy, allowing people to select their leaders and ensure they are held responsible. The 1987 Haryana Assembly election is a key example of how this process works within the larger context of Indian democracy.

Assembly Election in Haryana

• The Congress party had been in power since 1982.
• Chaudhary Devi Lal, the opposition leader, initiated the 'Nyaya Yudh' movement (Struggle for Justice).
• He established a new party called Lok Dal and collaborated with other opposition groups to challenge Congress.

  Chaudhary Devi Lal 

Election Campaign Promises

• Promise to waive loans for farmers and small business owners if elected.
• This promise appealed to dissatisfied citizens.

Election Results

• The public was unhappy with the current government and found Devi Lal's promise attractive.
• Lok Dal and its allies secured 76 out of 90 seats in the State Assembly.
• Lok Dal won 60 seats on its own, while Congress managed only 5.
• Devi Lal was elected as leader by the newly chosen MLAs.
• The Governor invited Devi Lal to take on the role of Chief Minister.

Devi Lal Government Actions

• Cancelled outstanding loans for small farmers, agricultural workers, and small business owners.
• Managed the state for four years.

1991 Haryana State Assembly Election

• The Congress party won the election and established the government.

Why Do We Need Elections?

Elections play a crucial role in any democratic system. They fulfil several important functions:

1. Representation: In a large society, it is impractical for everyone to meet and make decisions directly. Elections allow individuals to select representatives to make choices on their behalf.
2. Accountability: Elections enable citizens to hold their representatives accountable. If representatives fail to perform or keep their promises, voters can replace them in subsequent elections.
3. Legitimacy: Elections provide legitimacy to the government. When leaders are chosen by the people, it reinforces the notion that the government reflects the will of the majority.
4. Freedom of Choice: Elections empower citizens to select who will create laws, form the government, and shape policies. This gives people a direct role in influencing their society.
5. Regular Intervals: Elections are held at regular intervals, ensuring continuous accountability of representatives and providing citizens with opportunities to make new choices.

Without elections, a system cannot genuinely be democratic, as there would be no means to gauge public opinion, change leadership, or ensure that governmental power mirrors the people's will.

What Makes an Election Democratic?

Democratic Elections vs. Other Elections

• All democratic countries conduct elections. However, many non-democratic countries also have some form of elections. So, how can we tell the difference between democratic elections and others?

Minimum Conditions for Democratic Elections

• Equal voting rights: Every person should have one vote, and all votes should carry the same weight.
• Availability of choices: There should be various parties and candidates able to run for election, giving voters genuine options.
• Regular intervals: Elections must occur regularly, typically every few years.
• People's preference: The candidate chosen by the majority must be elected.
• Free and fair conduct: Elections should be run in a way that allows people to vote according to their true wishes.

Electoral Malpractices in Non-Democratic Countries

While many nations hold elections, the way these elections are conducted can differ greatly. In non-democratic countries, elections may be plagued by malpractices like vote rigging, voter intimidation, and insufficient real choices. For instance:

• In an election in Nigeria, the person responsible for counting votes intentionally inflated the votes for one candidate and declared him the winner. Later, the court found that over five hundred thousand votes for one candidate were wrongly attributed to another.
• Before the elections in Fiji, a leaflet was handed out warning voters that supporting former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry would result in violence, effectively threatening them.
• In the United States, each state has its own voting method, leading to discrepancies and controversies, such as those observed in Florida.

Is it Good to Have Political Competition?

Role of Political Competition in Elections

• Elections are fundamentally about political competition.
• This competition can be seen in various ways, especially among political parties.
• At the local level, it often involves competition between multiple candidates.
• Without competition, elections would lose their significance.

Demerits of Electoral Competition

• Electoral competition has several disadvantages.
• It can create feelings of disunity and 'factionalism' within communities.
• People often complain about 'party politics' in their areas.
• Political parties and leaders frequently accuse each other.
• Some candidates resort to unethical tactics to win.
• This focus on winning can prevent the development of sensible long-term policies.
• Some good individuals may avoid politics to escape unhealthy competition.

Constitutional Choice for Free Competition

• The creators of our Constitution recognised these issues.
• However, they chose to allow free competition in elections as the method for selecting leaders.
• This approach is believed to be more effective in the long term.

Motivations of Political Leaders

• In a perfect world, all leaders would understand what is best for the people and be driven solely by a desire to help.
• However, in reality, leaders often accuse each other.
• They are usually motivated by a wish to advance their own political careers.
• Leaders aim to retain power or secure positions for themselves.
• While some may genuinely want to assist the public, it is unwise to rely entirely on their sense of duty.
• Moreover, even when they aim to help, they might not know what is truly needed, or their views may not align with the people's needs.

Improving Political Leadership

• One way to tackle these problems is to enhance the knowledge and character of political leaders.
• A more practical approach is to create a system where leaders are rewarded for serving the public and face consequences for failing to do so.

Role of the People in Reward and Punishment

• The responsibility of deciding rewards and punishments for leaders lies with the public.
• This is the primary function of electoral competition.

Incentives for Political Parties and Leaders

• Regular electoral competition encourages political parties and leaders.
• They understand that addressing issues important to voters can enhance their popularity and chances of winning future elections.
• If they fail to meet voter expectations, they risk losing in subsequent elections.

Comparison to Market Dynamics

• Political competition is similar to how markets operate.
• Even if a shopkeeper focuses solely on profit, poor service will drive customers away.
• Likewise, political competition can cause division and negativity but compels leaders to serve the public effectively.

Conclusion

• While political competition has its downsides, it is essential in holding leaders accountable and ensuring elections fulfil their purpose.

What is Our System of Elections?

To determine if Indian elections are democratic, let's look at how they are carried out.

• Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha (Assembly) elections happen every five years, marking the end of the elected representatives' terms, leading to the dissolution of the Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha.
• Elections occur simultaneously across all constituencies, either on the same day or within a few days, known as a general election.
• Sometimes, a single constituency holds an election to fill a vacancy due to a member's death or resignation, called a by-election.

Electoral Constituencies

India uses an area-based representation system. The country is divided into different areas for elections, called electoral constituencies. Voters in a constituency elect a representative for their area. For Lok Sabha elections, India has 543 constituencies, each electing a representative known as a Member of Parliament (MP). Thus, 543 MPs are chosen to represent the people in the Lok Sabha. In a democratic election, every vote must hold equal value, so the Constitution requires that each constituency have a roughly equal population. Each state is also divided into a specific number of Assembly constituencies, with elected representatives called Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This principle also applies to Panchayat and Municipal elections. Villages or towns are divided into various wards, each electing one member of the local body. These constituencies can also be referred to as seats. For example, when stating ‘Lok Dal won 60 seats’ in Haryana, it means Lok Dal candidates won in 60 assembly constituencies, resulting in 60 MLAs for Lok Dal in the state assembly.

Reserved Constituencies

A true democracy offers equal opportunities for all individuals and groups in society to participate in elections, get elected, and be involved in governance. To ensure inclusivity, certain constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and women. This reservation is essential for representing India's diverse population in the electoral process.

Minimum Conditions for Democratic Elections

For elections to be deemed democratic, several minimum conditions must be fulfilled:

• Everyone should be able to choose, meaning every individual should have one vote, and each vote should carry equal value.
• There should be options to choose from; parties and candidates need the freedom to contest elections and provide real choices to voters.
• Choices must be offered regularly, with elections held at consistent intervals.
• The candidate preferred by the people should be elected.
• Elections must be conducted in a free and fair manner, enabling people to choose according to their true wishes.

Concerns of Constitution Makers

• Weaker sections may not have a fair chance in open electoral competition.
• Lack of resources, education, and contacts could hinder their chances of winning elections.
• This would make our democracy less representative and less democratic without the voice of these important sections.

Special system for weaker sections (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes):

• SC reserved constituencies: only Scheduled Castes candidates can stand for election.
• ST reserved constituencies: only Scheduled Tribes candidates can stand for election.
• As of 26 January, 84 Lok Sabha seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes, and 47 for Scheduled Tribes.

Reservation Extensions

• The reservation system has been extended to district and local levels.
• Seats in rural (panchayat) and urban (municipalities and corporations) local bodies are reserved for Other Backward Classes (OBC) in many states.
• The proportion of reserved seats varies from state to state.
• One-third of seats are reserved in rural and urban local bodies for women candidates.

Voters' List

• This decision cannot be left to anyone until the last day.
• The list of eligible voters is prepared well before the election.
• Officially known as the Electoral Roll, it is commonly referred to as the Voters' List.
• The principle of universal adult franchise: One vote per person, with each vote having equal value.
• No discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender.

Example of a Voters List

Voting Age and Eligibility

• Citizens aged 18 years and above can vote.
• In some rare cases, criminals and persons with unsound minds may be denied the right to vote.
• It is the government's responsibility to keep the voters' list updated.

Updating the Voters' List

• New eligible voters are added, and those who have moved or passed away are removed.
• A complete revision of the list occurs every five years.
• The Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) system has been introduced.

Identification for Voting

• Voters are required to carry their EPIC when voting; however, it is not yet compulsory.
• Other forms of identification are accepted, such as a ration card or driving licence.

Nomination of Candidates

• Democratic elections have minimal restrictions on candidacy, ensuring a real choice.
• Anyone who can vote can also become a candidate, provided they are at least 25 years old.
• Some restrictions apply to criminals in extreme cases.
• Political parties nominate candidates who receive the party symbol and support.

There are no mandated educational qualifications for candidates, which raises concerns about the inclusivity and accessibility of the electoral process.

Nomination of Candidates

Democratic Elections and Candidate Eligibility

• Minimal restrictions on candidacy ensure the real choice in democratic elections.
• Anyone who can be a voter can also become a candidate, with a minimum age of 25 years.
• Some other restrictions apply to criminals in extreme cases.
• Political parties nominate candidates who receive the party symbol and support.

Nomination Process

• Candidates must fill in a 'nomination form' and provide a 'security deposit' to contest in an election.
• A new declaration system has been introduced per the Supreme Court's direction.
• Candidates must provide a legal declaration with their personal details.

Declaration Details

• Serious criminal cases pending against the candidate.
• Details of assets and liabilities of the candidate and their family.
• Educational qualifications of the candidate.
• This information is made public, allowing voters to make informed decisions.

Election Campaign

Election campaign in India 

• Main Purpose of Election Give people a chance to choose representatives, government, and policies
• It necessitates free and open discussions during election campaigns
• The two-week period between candidate list announcement and polling date
• Includes candidates contacting voters, political leaders addressing meetings, and party supporters mobilizing
• Newspapers and television news filled with election-related stories and debates
• Political parties start preparing for elections months in advance

Successful Slogans in Various Elections

slogans in various election campaigns 

• Garibi Hatao (Remove poverty) - Congress party led by Indira Gandhi, Lok Sabha elections 1971
• Save Democracy - Janata Party under Jayaprakash Narayan, Lok Sabha election 1977
• Land to the Tiller - Left Front, West Bengal Assembly elections 1977
• Protect the Self-Respect of the Telugus - N. T. Rama Rao, Telugu Desam Party, Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections 1983

Election Campaign Regulations

• No party or candidate can bribe or threaten voters
• No party or candidate can appeal to voters in the name of caste or religion
• No party or candidate can use government resources for election campaigns
• Spending limits: 25 lakh in a constituency for a Lok Sabha election, 10 lakh in a constituency for an Assembly election

Model Code of Conduct for Election Campaigns

• No party or candidate can use any place of worship for election propaganda
• No party or candidate can use government vehicles, aircrafts, and officials for elections
• Once elections are announced, Ministers shall not lay foundation stones of any projects, take any big policy decisions, or make any promises of providing public facilities

Polling and Counting of Votes

• On the Election Day, every person whose name is on the voters' list can go to a nearby polling booth, situated usually in a local school or a government office.

Vote counting 

• Once the voter goes inside the booth, the election officials identify her, put a mark on his finger and allow him to cast his vote. An agent of each candidate is allowed to sit inside the polling booth and ensure that the voting takes place in a fair way.
• Earlier the voters used to indicate whom they wanted to vote for by putting stamp on the ballot paper. A ballot paper is a sheet of paper on which the names of the contesting candidates along with party name and symbols are listed.
• Nowadays electronic voting machines (EVM) are used to record votes. The machine shows the names of the candidates and the party symbols. Independent candidates too have their own symbols, allotted by election officials. All the voter has to do is to press the button against the name of the candidate he wants to give his vote.
• Once the polling is over, all the EVMs are sealed and taken to a secure place. A few days later, on a fixed data, all the EVMs from a constituency are opened and the votes secured by each candidate are counted. The agents of all candidates are present there to ensure that the counting is done properly. The candidate who secures the highest number of votes from a constituency is declared elected.
• In a general election, usually the counting of votes in all the constituencies takes place at the same time, on the same day. Television channels, radio and newspapers report this event. Within a few hours of counting, all the results are declared and it becomes clear as to who will form the next government.

What Makes Elections in India Democratic?

Unfair practices in elections are often reported, including:

• Voter List Issues: The inclusion of false names or the exclusion of genuine voters from the electoral rolls.
• Misuse of Government Resources: Ruling parties may misuse government facilities and officials to gain an advantage in elections.
• Excessive Use of Money: Wealthy candidates and large parties often use excessive amounts of money to influence voters.
• Intimidation and Rigging: Voters may be threatened, and there can be attempts to rig the voting process on election day.

While these practices are troubling, fortunately they are not on such a scale so as to defeat the very purpose of elections. This becomes clear if we ask a basic question: Can a party win an election and come to power not because it has popular support but through electoral malpractices? This is a vital question that warrants careful examination.

Independent Election Commission

The Election Commission is an independent body provided for in the Constitution. One simple way of checking whether elections are fair or not is to look at who conducts the elections. The Election Commission is charged with the responsibility of conducting free and fair elections, which are the foundation of democracy. It has sufficient powers to ensure that the party in power does not take undue advantage of its position. 

Headed by the Chief Election Commissioner and two other members, the functions of the Commission include: 

• Preparation of voters' lists
• Delimitation of constituencies
• Controlling the election machinery
• Recognising newly formed parties
• Allotting party symbols to parties
• Conducting polling and counting of votes
• Announcement of results

The procedure for the appointment of the Election Commission is laid down in the Constitution. The Commission ensures that elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, allowing the people's choice to prevail.

Democratic Elections Criteria

For elections to be considered democratic, they must meet certain criteria:

• First, everyone should be able to choose.
• Second, there should be something to choose from.
• Third, the choice should be offered at regular intervals.
• Fourth, the candidate preferred by the people should get elected.
• Fifth, elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner where people can choose as they really wish.

Popular Participation

1. Measuring Election Quality through Participation:

• Popular participation is a key measure of election quality. A fair and free election process fosters enthusiastic participation. If the process lacks fairness, people tend to withdraw from participation.

2. Voter Turnout as a Metric:

• Voter turnout represents the percentage of eligible voters who actually vote. In Europe and North America, voter turnout has declined over the past fifty years. In India, turnout has remained stable or increased over time.

3. Participation Trends in India:

• In India, the poor, illiterate, and underprivileged people vote in larger proportions compared to the rich and privileged sections, reflecting a unique aspect of voter demographics.

Voting Patterns in India and the United States

In India, a larger number of poor, illiterate, and underprivileged people vote compared to the wealthy and privileged. This is different from voting trends in Western democracies. For instance, in the United States, poor people, African Americans, and Hispanics vote significantly less than the rich and white population.

Importance of Elections to Common People:

Elections are viewed by the Indian public as a way to influence political parties. Voters believe that elections can pressure political parties to adopt policies that are favourable to them.

Growing Interest in Elections:

Over the years, interest in election-related activities has increased. During the 2004 elections:

• More than one-third of voters took part in campaign-related activities.
• Over half of the population identified with a political party.
• One in seven voters is a member of a political party.

Acceptance of Election Outcome

If elections are not free or fair, the outcome usually benefits the powerful. In such cases, ruling parties tend not to lose elections. The outcomes of elections in India illustrate this:

• The ruling parties often lose elections in India at both the national and state levels. In fact, in two out of three elections held in the last fifteen years, the ruling party lost.
• In the US, an incumbent or ‘sitting’ elected representative rarely loses an election, whereas about half of the sitting MPs or MLAs in India lose.
• Candidates known for spending large amounts on ‘buying votes’ or having criminal connections often face defeat.
• Except for a few disputed elections, the electoral outcomes are typically accepted as the ‘people’s verdict’ by the losing party; however, they do not accept the results of a rigged election.

Challenges to Free and Fair Elections

While candidates and parties with abundant funds may not guarantee victory, they hold a significant and unfair advantage over smaller parties and independents. In some regions:

• Candidates with criminal ties can push others out of the electoral race and secure a ‘ticket’ from major parties.
• Some families tend to dominate political parties, leading to tickets being given to relatives from these families.
• Smaller parties and independent candidates face considerable disadvantages compared to larger parties.

These deeper issues raise concerns for those who believe in democracy. Consequently, citizens, social activists, and organisations have been advocating for reforms in the electoral system.

Difficult Words

• Electoral Constituencies: Specific areas set up for elections, where representatives are chosen for legislative bodies. Each area elects one representative.
• Reserved Constituencies: Areas where seats are kept for candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to ensure these groups have political representation. As of January 26, there are 84 Lok Sabha seats reserved for SC and 47 for ST.
• Voter Eligibility: The rules determining who can vote, usually based on citizenship, residency, age, and the absence of legal disqualifications like certain criminal records.
• Electoral Roll (Voters' List): The official list of eligible voters for an election. This list is prepared well before the election and is essential for a fair and organised election process.
• Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC): A recent system to help maintain the voters' list and ensure only eligible voters can participate in elections.
• Nomination of Candidates: The process where individuals announce their intention to run for office, usually involving submitting necessary documents and sometimes a deposit.
• Election Campaign: The time before the election when candidates and parties promote their policies and criticise their opponents to gain voter support.
• Model Code of Conduct: Guidelines issued by the Election Commission to manage the behaviour of parties and candidates during an election, ensuring a fair and respectful campaign.
• Polling Booth: A designated location for voting, designed to ensure voters can cast their ballots privately.
• Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs): Devices used in elections to record votes, where voters press buttons for their chosen candidates. EVMs aim to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the voting process.
• By-Election: An election in a single constituency to fill a vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a member, occurring outside the regular election cycle.
• General Election: Regularly scheduled elections where representatives are chosen in all electoral constituencies, usually held at fixed intervals as per law or the constitution.
• Election Commission: An impartial body set up by the constitution or legislation to oversee elections and ensure they are conducted fairly.
• Universal Adult Franchise: The right of all adult citizens to vote without discrimination based on race, sex, belief, wealth, or social status.
• Voting Age: The minimum legal age to participate in elections, typically 18 years in most democracies.
• Security Deposit: A monetary amount candidates must pay when submitting their nomination papers, which is forfeited if they fail to receive a minimum percentage of votes.