Elections and the Election Commission Chapter Notes | Civics Class 9 ICSE PDF Download

Elections

• Democracy is regarded as the best form of government, allowing people to select their representatives.
• Elections are the process where citizens vote to choose leaders who form and manage the government.
• In democratic systems, elections are held based on political party affiliations.
• The party with the most votes forms the government at the national level.

Why do we Need Elections?

• Elections allow people to choose representatives to serve in legislatures.
• When multiple candidates compete for a position, voters select their preferred candidate through voting.
• Voting enables citizens to participate in the governance of their country.
• Regular elections ensure accountability, as voters can choose not to re-elect underperforming representatives.
• Elections help citizens learn about the policies and ideologies of political parties.
• Winning representatives create laws for the welfare of the people.
• Example: In a small town, two candidates are running for a local assembly seat. Voters attend rallies, learn about their promises (like better roads or schools), and cast votes to choose the candidate they trust to deliver these improvements.

Kinds of Elections

• Elections are divided into two types: direct and indirect.

• Citizens directly vote to elect representatives for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
• Elections are conducted based on party lines, where the majority party’s leader becomes the Chief Minister (in states) or Prime Minister (nationally).

• Members of the Rajya Sabha and state Legislative Councils are elected indirectly by elected representatives.
• The Rajya Sabha has up to 250 members, with 238 elected by state legislative assemblies and 12 nominated by the President for expertise in fields like literature, science, art, social service, or sports.

• The President is elected indirectly by an Electoral College, including elected members of Parliament and state legislative assemblies (including Delhi and Puducherry).
• The Vice President is elected by members of both houses of Parliament, excluding state legislatures.

Types of Elections

• Elections are categorized into three types: general elections, by-elections, and mid-term elections.

• Held every five years to elect representatives for the Lok Sabha or state assemblies.

• Occur if the Lok Sabha or a state legislative assembly is dissolved before completing its five-year term.

• Held to fill vacant seats in the Lok Sabha or state assemblies due to a member’s death or resignation.

Constituency

• The country is divided into representative areas called constituencies, each with voters or residents who have voting rights.
• Separate constituencies exist for assembly and parliamentary elections.

Demarcation of Constituencies

• After every census (every 10 years), Parliament passes a Delimitation Act.
• A Delimitation Commission is formed by the central government to set boundaries for parliamentary constituencies.
• Lok Sabha constituencies are based on population size, but smaller states or union territories may have exceptions to ensure fair representation despite low population.

Example: A large state like Uttar Pradesh may have many constituencies due to its high population, while a smaller state like Sikkim may have fewer, adjusted to ensure representation.

Types of Constituencies

• Constituencies are classified into three types: single-member, multi-member, and reserved constituencies.

• Elects only one representative per constituency, a straightforward method used in countries like India and England.

• Elects multiple representatives from one constituency, which may complicate governance, used in countries like Germany, Italy, and France.

• Certain constituencies are reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to ensure their representation.

The Election Commission

• Established under the Constitution to ensure free and fair elections at regular intervals.
• Plays a critical role in overseeing the entire election process in India.

• Consists of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two other commissioners.

• The President appoints the CEC and other commissioners based on the Prime Minister’s advice.
• Regional Election Commissioners are appointed by the President in consultation with the Election Commission.

• Members serve a six-year term or until they reach 65 years of age, whichever comes first.
• Their salary matches that of a Supreme Court judge, and they receive a pension after retirement.
• Disputes between the CEC and other commissioners are resolved by majority opinion.

• Prepares electoral rolls and issues photo identity cards to voters.
• Identifies eligible voters and updates the voting list.
• Grants recognition to political parties and assigns their symbols.
• Sets election dates and may delay elections in specific constituencies to ensure fairness.
• Ensures free and fair elections by:
  • Sending observers to constituencies at risk of violence to ensure safe voting.
  • Canceling polls if malpractices are detected.
  • Imposing strict penalties for booth capturing under recent amendments to the Representation of the People Act.
• Appoints polling officers and a Returning Officer to review nomination forms and approve candidates.
• Announces schedules for elections, nomination filings, and withdrawals.
• Reviews election expense accounts submitted by candidates.
• Advises the President or state Governors on electoral matters, disputes, and member disqualifications.

Example: If a constituency reports threats during voting, the Election Commission sends observers to monitor polling stations, ensuring voters can cast their ballots without fear.