Election Commission and Elections

Transcription

1 Election Commission and Elections NCERT Democratic Politics 1. Chapter 4 Class 9 10x10learning.com 1

2 What is an Election? Election is the process by which citizens in a democracy choose their representatives for : Parliament called Members of Parliament or MP Legislative Assemblies of 29 States and 2 UT called Members of Legislative Assemblies or MLA Gram Sabha and Municipal Corporations and other local bodies, called Corporator 10x10learning.com 2

3 Who can Vote in an Election? - A citizen who is 18 years of age and above, can register as a Voter after the 18 th birthday, in the office of the Election Commission nearest to her place of residence. Proof of age and residence is required to be given at the time of registration. - A registered voter, gets a Voter s Card, which is a proof of Identity and a permission to vote in all subsequent elections. - A registered Voter s name is included in the Electoral Role in the Constituency in which she resides. A Voter needs to be a citizen of sound mind. 10x10learning.com 3

4 Principles for conducting Elections 1) Universal Adult Franchise 2) Secret Ballot 3) Electoral choice between candidates of various parties 4) One General Electoral Roll for every constituency 5) No citizen shall be excluded from the General Electoral Roll on ground of religion, race, caste, sex or any such reason. 10x10learning.com 4

5 Importance of Elections For constituting Parliament and Legislative Assemblies India is a Democratic Republic People create the government and legislature through elections People control the elected government through their representatives Elections are a means of legitimizing the right of the government to remain in power The elected representatives, called MPs in Parliament, and MLAs in Legislative Assemblies directly control the governments, as the representatives of their voters. Voters control governments by replacing the party in majority in the next election. Elected governments are based on consent of the people Elections are an occasion to inform the public about the choices they have in electing the government of one party. 10x10learning.com 5

6 Different Types of Elections for the Union of India For the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies : (1) General Elections : in1952 and 1957 were held for Lok Sabha and all State Legislative Assemblies at the same time. Later variations started. The last General Election for 16 th Lok Sabha was in April May, (1.1) Mid-term When dissolved before its term (1.2) By- Elections for vacancies caused by death or resignation of members 10x10learning.com 6

7 Different Types of Elections for the Union of India 2) Election of the President of India 3) Election of the Vice-President of India 4) Elections for the Rajya Sabha for one third of its members, every two years. 5) Elections for 7 Vidhan Parishad or Upper House in Legislative Assemblies - Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh - Vidhan Parishad for Tamil Nadu and Assam have been approved by Union Government in 2010 and 2013, but have not been implemented. 10x10learning.com 7

8 Kinds of Elections The two different kinds of Elections are Direct and Indirect based on the process of electing the representatives DIRECT INDIRECT (1) The President of India (2) The Vice President of India 1) MPs in Lok Sabha (3) MPs in Rajya Sabha 2) MLAs in Vidhan Sabha (4) MLAs in Vidhan Parishad of 7 State Legislative Assemblies 3) Local Bodies See table at on page A47 of your Civic Book 10x10learning.com 8

9 Advantages and Disadvantages Of Direct Election: (1) is a huge cost to the public exchequer in a large country like India. (2) involves the people in government agenda ( 3) Better awareness about one s country and choice of candidates (4) Imparts legitimacy to elected governments Disadvantage: Influence of emotion results in better candidates getting rejected Indirect Elections: (a) costs less. (b) reduces emotional heat (c) More suited for very large constituencies as in the case of the President of India Main disadvantage is of corrupt practices developing as the number of people who vote is known and their number is in a few thousands. 10x10learning.com 9

10 Constituencies Constituency is a well defined territorial area, that elects only one candidate as the winner. The size of the constituency for Lok Sabha elections and for the Legislative Assembly elections, varies. For example for the LS elections, Delhi is divided into 7 constituencies for electing 7 MPs. But for electing its 70 MLAs for the Delhi Legislative Assembly, Delhi is divided into 70 constituencies. 10x10learning.com 10

11 Single member constituencies is one in which only one winner candidate is elected. Multiple member constituencies are those in which more than one candidate is elected as the winner. Reserved constituencies: only SC and ST candidates can stand for election from Reserved constituencies. Kinds of Constituencies 10x10learning.com 11

12 The Election Commission of India 1. The Constitution of India provides for creation of an Election Commission of India, and it was constituted in January, The first Chief Election Commissioner was Shri Sukumar Sen, who took office in March, 1950, and the current Chief Election Commission is Shri appointed as per Notification of 14 th May, He holds office for six years or till 65 years of age, which ever is earlier. 4. In case of difference of opinion, the matter is decided as per majority opinion. 10x10learning.com 12

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14 Independence of the Election Commission Ensured by the Constitution CEC cannot be removed from office except as per procedure for a Judge Other Members cannot be removed without recommendation of the CEC Conditions of service Conditions of service cannot be varied after appointment Draw salaries equivalent to that of Judge of Supreme Court of India Control over Staff during Elections It is duty of the President or the Governor to make available the staff required by the CEC, for conducting the elections. The EC has complete control of the staff so deputed during the election. 10x10learning.com 14

15 Powers and Functions of the EC Disqualifying candidates who do not meet the conditions Recognizing Political Parties and allotting them symbols Conducting all Elections Ensuring that all elections are fair and free Territories have been rationalized without changing the number of members Delimitation of Constituencies frozen up to 2026 General Electoral Rolls and Voter ID Preparing and updating 10x10learning.com 15

16 Powers and Functions 1) Conducting all Elections 2) Ensuring that they are fair and free and are held in a transparent manner 3) Preparation and updating of General Electoral Rolls and Photo Identity Cards for each constituency. 4) Delimitation of Constituencies ban on delimitation up to Territories have been rationalized without changing the number of seats for Lok Sabha. 5) Recognition of Political Parties 6) Allotment of Symbols to Parties and Independent Candidates 7) Disqualification of candidates as per stated conditions 10x10learning.com 16