Electoral Politics - IX

 

1	What makes an election democratic? conditions of a democratic election.
Ans	Ø  Everyone should be able to choose. This means that everyone should have one vote and every vote should have equal value. Ø  There should be something to choose from. Parties and candidates should be free to contest elections and should offer some real choice to the voters. Ø  The choice should be offering that regular interval. Ø  The candidate preferred by the people should get elected. Ø  Elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner where people can choose as they really wish.
2	Is it good to have political competition?(Merits and Demerits of electoral or political competition)
Ans	Demerits Ø  It creates a sense of disunity and ‘factionalism’ in every locality. Ø  Different political parties and leaders often level allegations against one another. Ø  Parties and candidates often use dirty tricks to win elections. Ø  Some good people who may wish to serve the country do not enter this competition. They do not like the idea of being dragged into unhealthy competition.   merits Ø  Free competition in elections as the way to select our future leaders. Ø   In a way it tries to improve the knowledge and character of political leaders. Ø  So, if a political party is motivating the only by desire to be in power, even then it will be forced to serve the people. Ø  Political competition may cause divisions and some ugliness, but it finally helps to force political parties and leaders to serve the people.
3	Powers and functions of the Election Commission of India.
	Ø  EC takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections from the announcement of elections to the declaration of results. Ø  It implements the Code of Conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it. Ø   During the election period, the EC can order the government to follow some guidelines, to prevent use and misuse of governmental power to enhance its chances to win elections, or to transfer some government officials. Ø   When on election duty, government officers work under the control of the EC and not the government.
	Explain the following:
	General Election: - elections are held in all constituencies at the same time, either on the same day or within a few days. By-election: - Sometimes election is held only for one constituency or two to fill the vacancy caused by death or resignation of a member. This is called a by-election. Electoral constituencies The country is divided into different areas based on population for the purpose of elections. These areas are called electoral constituencies. Voters ‘List: The list of those who are eligible to vote is prepared much before the election and given to everyone. This list is officially called Electoral Roll and is commonly known as the Voters ‘List. Security deposit: Every person who wishes to contest an election has to fill a ‘nomination form’ and give some money as ‘security deposit’.
4	What makes elections in India democratic?
	ü  An independent and powerful commission appointed by the President of India to conduct free and fair election is called Election Commission. ü  The commission has three members and once they are appointed, they are not answerable to the President or the government. ü  During election, government officers work under the control of the EC and not the government.
5	Challenges to free and fair elections in India.
	Ø  Candidates and parties with a lot of money may not be sure of their victory but they do enjoy a big and unfair advantage over smaller parties and independents. Ø  In some parts of the country, candidates with criminal connection have been able to push others out of the electoral race and to secure a ‘ticket’ from major parties. Ø  Some families tend to dominate political parties; tickets are distributed to relatives from these families. Ø  Very often elections offer little choice to ordinary citizens, for both the major parties are quite similar to each other both in policies and practice. Ø  Smaller parties and independent candidates suffer a huge disadvantage compared to bigger parties.
6	How can you say that very few Election Commissions in the world have such wide-ranging powers as the Election Commission of India?
	Ø  Election Commission takes decisions on every aspect of conduct and control of elections. Ø  It implements the code of conduct and punishes any candidate or party that violates it. Ø  During the election period, the EC can order the government to follow some guidelines, To prevent use and misuse of governmental power to enhance its chances to win elections, Or to transfer some government officials. Ø  When on election duty, government officers work under the control of the EC and not the government.
7	Mention the provisions laid down under the Model Code of Conduct to regulate the election campaign.
	Ø  Use any place of worship for election propaganda. Ø  Use government vehicles, aircraft and officials for elections. Ø  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.

 

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