1. Why do Elections Matter?
- Elections are the most important way to practise democratic rights.
- Regular elections are the heart of democracy.
- In India, direct elections every 5 years for Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and local bodies.
- Indirect elections for President, Vice President and Rajya Sabha.
- Elections make representatives accountable to the people.
- People can change the government through their vote.
- Elections bring accountability, representation, legitimacy and equality.
2. Inside India’s Election Machinery
- Elections must be free, fair and transparent.
- India needs strong laws and organised system because of its huge size and diversity.
- Main bodies: Election Commission of India (ECI), political parties, voters, media and civil society.
3. The Electoral System
- Decides how votes become seats in the legislature.
- India uses First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha.
- Candidate with maximum votes wins (even if less than 50%).
- Proportional Representation used for Rajya Sabha, President and Vice President.
- Some states have two houses: Vidhan Sabha (lower) and Vidhan Parishad (upper).
4. The Laws Governing Elections
- Representation of the People Act, 1950: Seats, constituency boundaries, voter lists, right to vote at 18 years.
- Representation of the People Act, 1951 : Rules for nomination, campaigning, voting, disputes and punishment for corrupt practices.
- Corrupt practices include bribes, appealing on religion/caste, and using government officers.
5. Delimitation Commission
- Changes boundaries of constituencies according to population.
- Ensures equal representation so one MP does not represent too many or too few people.
- Article 82 of Constitution provides for this.
6. Election Commission of India (ECI)
- Independent constitutional body established on 25 January 1950.
- Controls all elections in India.
- Articles 324–329 give it powers.
Important Functions of ECI
- Prepares and updates electoral rolls (voter lists).
- Conducts Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to add new 18+ voters and remove ineligible names.
- Decides dates and schedule of elections.
- Registers political parties and gives election symbols.
- Ensures inner-party democracy.
- Makes elections inclusive for disabled, senior citizens, etc.
7. Ensuring Free and Fair Elections
- Uses technology like EVMs with Braille, apps (Saksham, cVIGIL, ERONET).
- Special arrangements: Voting from home for senior citizens (85+) and PwDs.
- National Voters’ Day on 25 January.
- Voter pledge to uphold democracy.
8. Political Parties
- Play a very important role in elections.
- Organise public opinion, set agendas and present manifestos.
- Help voters know about candidates and issues.
- India has a multi-party system due to diversity.
- Most candidates belong to parties; some are independents.
Defection and Anti-Defection Law
- Defection = Leaving the party after winning on its ticket.
- Anti-Defection Law (1985) prevents defection to maintain government stability.
- Speaker decides disqualification.
Party Recognition by ECI
- National Parties and State Parties get special status if they meet vote and seat criteria.
- Registered Unrecognised Parties (RUPP) do not meet criteria.
9. Challenges to Free and Fair Elections
- Very large scale (96.8 crore voters).
- Problems like fake news, misinformation, intimidation and money power.
- ECI uses Model Code of Conduct, EVMs, VVPAT and awareness programmes to solve them.
- Needs active participation of citizens.
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