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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.

Election in IndiaElection in India

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.

Key Concepts - Electoral Politics | Social Studies (SST) Class 9

What Makes an Election Democratic? 

The reasons why elections are democratic:

  1. Universal Adult Franchise: Every adult has the right to vote, and each vote holds equal value.
  2. Multiple Parties and CandidatesPeople have the freedom to choose from various parties and candidates.
  3. Regular Elections: Elections are held at fixed intervals.
  4. People's ChoiceCandidates preferred by the majority are elected.
  5. 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.

What is our System of Elections? 

System of ElectionsSystem of Elections

  1. Compilation of voters list.
  2. Announcement of election date.
  3. Division of the country into constituencies for Lok Sabha and state assemblies.
  4. Election of Members of Parliament (MPs) from 543 Lok Sabha constituencies.
  5. Election of Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) within each state.
  6. Declaration of party manifestos and nomination lists.

Electoral Constituencies

  • Electoral constituencies are areas in India divided for election purposes.
  • Each constituency elects a representative for the area.
  • There are 543 constituencies for Lok Sabha elections, resulting in 543 MPs.
  • Ideally, each constituency should have an equal number of voters.
  • In practice, maintaining voter balance across constituencies is challenging.

Gulbarga Lok Sabha ConstituencyGulbarga Lok Sabha Constituency

Reserved Constituencies

  • True democracy aims for equal opportunity in elections and governance.
  • Weaker sections (SCs, STs, OBCs, women) exist due to historical, social, cultural, and economic factors.
  • A level playing field is needed for meaningful electoral competition.
  • Reserved constituencies provide this level playing field for weaker sections.

Reserved Parliamentary constituencies for SC-St (2008) Reserved Parliamentary constituencies for SC-St (2008) 

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Voters' list

The voter's list, or electoral roll, comprises citizens aged 18 and above with universal suffrage, irrespective of caste, religion, or gender. Exceptions exist for individuals with unsound minds and criminals. Voter identification is facilitated through a government-issued Election Photo Identity Card, serving as a crucial identification document during polling.

Voter`s List at the time of the ElectionVoter's List at the time of the Election

Nomination of Candidates

  • Citizens aged 25 or above can nominate themselves by submitting a form and a security deposit, declaring any pending serious criminal cases. 
  • This transparency in the nomination process informs voters for better decision-making.

Election Campaign

  • Election campaigns in India aim for a free and open discussion to determine the best representative and the party likely to form a superior government, taking place over two weeks between the final candidate list announcement and the polling date.
  • India's election law prohibits bribery, caste or religion appeals, misuse of government resources, and sets spending limits. Violations can lead to court rejection of election results.
  • Political parties adhere to a Model Code of Conduct, which restricts the use of places of worship, government vehicles, and officials during election campaigns. Ministers are restrained from major policy decisions or promises once elections are announced.

Key Concepts - Electoral Politics | Social Studies (SST) Class 9

Question for Key Concepts - Electoral Politics
Try yourself:What are the requirements for a citizen to file a nomination as a candidate for an election?
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Polling and Counting of Votes

  • Election day, when voters cast their votes, involves going to a nearby polling booth. 
  • Upon entering, officials identify voters, mark their fingers, and permit them to vote. 
  • Each candidate has an agent inside the booth to ensure fair voting procedures.

A ballot paper is a sheet of paper on which the names of the contesting candidates, along with party names and symbols, are listed. 

The ballot paper was used earlier. Nowadays, electronic voting machines (EVM) are used to record votes.

  • The machine shows the names of the candidates and the party symbols.
  • The voter has to press the button against the name of the candidate she wants to give her vote to.

Representation of EVMsRepresentation of EVMs

  • Once the polling is over, all the EVMs are sealed and taken to a secure place.
  • A few days later, all the EVMs are opened and the votes secured by each candidate are counted.
  • The candidate who secures the highest number of votes from a constituency is declared elected.

What Makes Election in India Democratic?

  1.  Universal adult suffrage: In India, every citizen above the age of 18 has the right to vote, ensuring equal participation in the electoral process.
  2. Multiple political parties: India has a multi-party system, allowing voters to choose from a wide range of candidates and political ideologies.
  3. Regular elections: Elections in India are held at regular intervals, with the general elections taking place every five years.
  4. People's Choice: The candidates who receive the highest number of votes are elected, reflecting the will of the majority of the people.
  5. Free and fair elections: The Election Commission of India ensures that the electoral process is conducted in a transparent and impartial manner, with strict adherence to rules and regulations.
  6. Secret ballot: The voting process in India is carried out through a secret ballot, ensuring that voters can make their choices without fear or coercion. 

Independent Election Commission

The Election Commission in India, headed by the Chief Election Commissioner appointed by the President, holds extensive powers. It manages all election aspects, enforces the Code of Conduct, and directs government actions during elections to prevent misuse of power. Government officers on election duty operate under the EC's control, ensuring its independence.

Popular Participation

In India, elections are conducted by the independent Election Commission (EC), led by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) appointed by the President. Key aspects that make elections democratic in India include:

  1. EC's control over all aspects of elections, from announcement to declaration of results
  2. Implementation and enforcement of the Code of Conduct
  3. Issuing guidelines for the government during elections
  4. Ensuring government officials work under EC control while on election duty

 Acceptance of Election Outcome

Sealed EVMsSealed EVMs

  1. EVMs from each area are opened on a fixed date, ensuring transparency.
  2. Election outcomes serve as a test of freedom and fairness.
  3. Ruling parties frequently lose elections at national and state levels.
  4. Incumbent representatives often lose elections, indicating competitiveness.
  5. Candidates spending excessive money or with criminal connections can lose elections.
  6. Electoral outcomes are generally accepted as the 'people's verdict' by defeated parties.

Challenges to Free and Fair Elections

Indian elections, predominantly free and fair, face challenges:

  • Money and influence: Wealthy candidates hold an advantage, but it doesn't determine election outcomes.
  • Criminal connections: Candidates with criminal backgrounds may secure party tickets but aren't guaranteed victory.
  • Family connections: Some candidates receive tickets due to family ties, yet voters ultimately decide their fate.
  • Limited choices: Major parties may align, but voters can opt for smaller parties or independents.
  • Disadvantage for smaller parties: Despite resource disparities, smaller parties and independents contribute to the democratic process.
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FAQs on Key Concepts - Electoral Politics - Social Studies (SST) Class 9

1. What are Elections and why are they Important?
Ans. Elections are a process in which citizens of a country choose their representatives who will make decisions on their behalf. They are important because they allow citizens to participate in the democratic process and have a say in the governance of their country. Elections give people the power to elect leaders who will work towards their welfare and address their concerns.
2. What Makes an Election Democratic?
Ans. A democratic election is characterized by several key factors. Firstly, it should provide equal opportunity for all eligible citizens to vote without any discrimination. Secondly, it should ensure the secrecy of the ballot, allowing voters to freely express their choice without any fear or influence. Thirdly, there should be multiple political parties or candidates to choose from, providing voters with a genuine choice. Lastly, the election process should be conducted in a transparent and fair manner, with independent institutions overseeing the process to prevent any malpractice.
3. What is our System of Elections?
Ans. The system of elections varies from country to country. In many democracies, including ours, we follow a system of representative democracy. In this system, citizens vote for their representatives who then form the government. The most common system used is the first-past-the-post system, where the candidate with the highest number of votes in a constituency wins the election. However, there are also other systems like proportional representation where seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes a party receives.
4. What are Electoral Constituencies?
Ans. Electoral constituencies are geographic areas within a country that are demarcated for the purpose of elections. These constituencies determine the boundaries within which voters can elect their representatives. The size and number of constituencies can vary depending on factors like population, geography, and administrative convenience. Constituencies ensure that every region is represented in the government and that the interests of different sections of society are taken into account.
5. How are Votes Counted in an Election?
Ans. The counting of votes in an election usually takes place after the polling is completed. The process involves opening the sealed ballot boxes and tallying the votes cast for each candidate or party. The counting is typically done in the presence of election officials, party representatives, and sometimes even the candidates themselves. Each vote is carefully examined and recorded, and the candidate with the highest number of votes is declared the winner. The counting process is crucial in determining the outcome of an election and ensuring its integrity.
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