Introduction: Why Do We Need Elections?

• Elections are the foundation of democracy, allowing people to choose their representatives.
• Regular, free, and fair elections ensure accountability.
• This chapter explores how elections take place, different types of representation, and the Indian electoral system.

Why and How Do We Elect Representatives?

Meaning of Representation

• Representation means electing leaders who make decisions on behalf of the people.
• In large countries like India, direct democracy is not possible, so representative democracy is used.
• Example: People elect MPs and MLAs to make laws and policies.

Methods of Representation

Different Electoral Systems

First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) System

• The candidate with the most votes wins, even without a majority (50%+1 votes).
• Used in India, UK, USA, Canada.
• Example:
  • Candidate A – 40% votes
  • Candidate B – 35% votes
  • Candidate C – 25% votes
  • Candidate A wins, even though 60% of voters did not choose them.

Advantages of FPTP

• Simple and easy to understand.
• Quick results and stable governments.
• Encourages strong local representation.

Disadvantages of FPTP

• Votes are wasted (losing candidates get no representation).
• A party with fewer total votes can still win the election.
• Encourages regionalism and caste-based politics.

Proportional Representation (PR) System

• Seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes each party receives.
• Used in Germany, Israel, South Africa.

Types of PR Systems

• Party List System: Voters select a party, not a candidate. Parties get seats in proportion to their vote share.
• Single Transferable Vote (STV): Used in Rajya Sabha elections in India.

Advantages of PR

• Fairer representation for small parties.
• Fewer wasted votes.

Disadvantages of PR

• Leads to coalition governments (instability).
• Leads to coalition governments (instability).

Free and Fair Elections in India

Universal Adult Franchise

• Every citizen above 18 years has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, or wealth.
• Introduced in India in 1950 (unlike the UK and USA, which took centuries to implement universal voting rights).

Delimitation of Constituencies

• The country is divided into electoral constituencies.
• The Delimitation Commission (appointed by the President) redraws boundaries to reflect population changes.
• Example: The number of seats in Lok Sabha is based on state populations.

4.3 Reserved Constituencies for SCs and STs

• Certain seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) to ensure their representation.
• Example: In 2019, 84 seats in Lok Sabha were reserved for SCs and 47 for STs.

The Election Process in India

Conducting Elections

• Elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI), an independent body.
• The ECI ensures free and fair elections.

Voter Eligibility

• Any Indian citizen above 18 years can vote.
• Voting is not compulsory but is a fundamental right.

Nomination of Candidates

• Any citizen can contest elections if they meet the eligibility criteria (e.g., age, no criminal background).

Election Campaigns and Model Code of Conduct

• Campaigning is regulated by the Election Commission to prevent unfair influence.
• Model Code of Conduct (MCC):
  • No misuse of government resources.
  • No hate speeches.
  • No bribing of voters.

Voting and Counting Process

• Voting is done using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
• Counting is conducted under strict security measures.
• The Election Commission announces the results.

Electoral Reforms in India

Challenges to Free and Fair Elections

Conclusion

• Elections ensure democratic representation and public participation.
• India follows the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system for stability and efficiency.
• The Election Commission ensures free and fair elections.
• Reserved constituencies promote social justice.
• Electoral reforms like NOTA, EVMs, and RTI strengthen democracy.
• Challenges like money power, criminalization, and media bias need further reforms.