ELECTIONS AND DEMOCRACY IN INDIA

The term 'Democracy' is drawn from two Greek words 'demos' meaning people and 'cratia' meaning power. Thus, literally democracy means the 'power of the
people'. One of the most famous definition of democracy is of Abraham Lincoln who says, "Democracy is Government of the people, by the people and for the
people.“
Features of democracy
The features of democracy are:
(1) Elected representatives of the people rule and these representatives have power of making final decisions;
(2) Elections are conducted in free and fair atmosphere;
(3) Adult franchise is provided and every vote has equal value;
(4) Fundamental Rights and freedom of the people are protected.
Merits of democracy
Democracy is the most popular system of government in the modern world. It has various merits. It provides efficient government, guarantees the rights of the
people, provides equality, educates the people, promotes national character, brings peaceful change of government, believes not in battle axe, but in ballot box.
In democracy, there is no place for rebellion and revolutions.
Demerits of democracy
Democracy sometimes leads to establish the majority view. Party leaders and political office holders in government control the citizens and the members of the
party. It does not encourage individuals to give their opinions. It is a very expensive form of government. It is difficult to prevent corruptions and malpractices.
It is also known as the government by amateurs and lead to domination of masses.
Broader meaning of democracy
The broader meaning of democracy:
(1) A democratic government is a better government because it is a more accountable form of government.
(2) Democracy improves the quality of decision-making.
(3) Democracy provides a method to deal with differences and conflicts.
(4) Democracy enhances the dignity of citizens.
(5) Democracy is better than other forms of government because it allows us to correct its own mistakes.
 KINDS OF DEMOCRACY
Direct Democracy: or otherwise called pure democracy or participatory democracy, is one in which decisions
relating to the laws and policies of the government are taken by the people directly. It requires direct participation
from the citizens of the country in day to day decision making and administration of the government. Switzerland is
one of the countries where direct democracy is prevalent. In this form of government, every law, policy or bill is
passed only when voted on by all the citizens of the country. Here, all the people of the government come together
raises issues, enter into discussions to come up with a decision which is agreeable to all. So, the citizens of the
country have a direct say in the formulating laws and the affairs that influence them.
Direct Democracy existed in small city states of ancient Greece and Rome where all citizens use to meet in their
popular assemblies for the purpose of making laws and electing public officers.
Now a days it is followed to some extent in the 3 cantons of Switzerland, In India the most commonly cited eg of
direct democracy is Gram Sabha.
Indirect democracy or popularly called as representative democracy is the system of government wherein people
choose their representatives, to represent them in the Parliament and actively participate in running the government.
So, the participation of the citizens is limited in taking important decisions and formulation of policies. India is the
common example of indirect democracy.
In an indirect democracy, a politician is elected from each constituency who represents the people who voted for him
in the parliament. It relies on free and fair elections wherein those who are currently ruling have a just and fair
chance of losing. Hence, the elected politician can be removed from the office and made accountable for the work
performed by them for the community. In a Democracy then the Electoral system becomes very important.
 DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS: DISTINCTION BETWEEN A DEMOCRATIC AND NON-
DEMOCRATIC ELECTION

Election is a mechanism by which people can choose their representatives at regular intervals. The
government which takes all the important decisions and makes laws for a democratic nation is formed
through elections. Elections may be either Democratic or Non- Democratic.
Democratic Elections
• Democratic elections are characterized by an open and fair electoral process where all eligible
citizens have the right to vote. (ADULT SUFFRAGE)
• The process of democratic elections is transparent and free from any kind of coercion or
manipulation.
• The electoral process is based on the principle of majority rule, where the candidate who receives the
highest number of votes is declared the winner.
• Democratic elections are usually held at regular intervals, and the candidates are chosen through a
process of open and free competition. (PERIODIC ELECTION)
• The democratic system allows for the participation of a wide range of political parties and interest
groups, which ensures that the election process is diverse and representative of the people.
• Electoral choice: voters may be asked to choose between political parties
Non-Democratic Elections
In Non- Democratic elections, such as those held in Communist China or in personal
or military dictatorships only single party can contest election. In such countries
civil liberties such as freedom of speech and association is not protected by the govt.
• Non-democratic elections are characterized by a lack of transparency, free and fair
competition, and the absence of basic democratic principles.
• The electoral process in non-democratic elections is often marked by coercion,
manipulation, and intimidation of voters.
• The candidates in non-democratic elections are often pre-selected by a small group
of people, and there is no opportunity for open and free competition.
• The electoral process in non-democratic elections is often controlled by a single
political party or a small group of individuals, which limits the diversity and
representation of the people.
• Non-democratic elections are often used as a tool by authoritarian regimes to
legitimize their rule, rather than as a means of democratic representation.
 ELECTION SYSTEM IN INDIA: FIRST PAST THE POST SYSTEM OR PLURALITY SYSTEM
Most countries follow the simple majority or the plurality system. This usually referred to as first past the post
(FPTP) system and is prevalent in countries such as Britain, Canada, the USA and India. In these countries are
single member constituencies. The winner is the person with more votes than any other candidate, even though
the winner may receive only a small proportion of the total number of votes.
DEFECTS OF PLURALITY SYSTEM
Some of the drawbacks of the First Past the Post System (FPTP) System are given below:
FPTP is not truly representative: First Past the Post System (FPTP) System is not truly representative, as a
candidate who gets less than half the votes can also win the election. For example: In 2014, the National
Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the BJP won 336 seats with only 38.5% of the popular vote.
Smaller parties have lesser chances of winning in the FPTP system. Moreover, smaller parties are forced to
align with the interests of national parties, which beats the purpose of local self-government and federalism.
Communal division of votes: Due to the nature of the First Past the Post System (FPTP) voting system, it may
lead to the communal division of votes.
Generally, the working of the FPTP system results in a two-party system, but India’s FPTP experience is
slightly different. After India’s independence, a one-party dominance emerged and after 1989, India has
witnessed the functioning of multi-party coalitions. But the important feature of India’s party system is that the
rise of coalitions has made it possible for new and smaller parties to enter into electoral competition despite the
FPTP system.
 WHY DID INDIA ADOPT FPTP?
Some benefits of the FPTP system are listed below:
Simple and familiar voting method: It is simpler than other voting methods like the Proportional
Representation (PR) method, which is followed in countries like the Netherlands, Israel etc. India follows the
Proportional Representation system to indirectly elect the president, vice president of India.
Easy and Convenient: It is easier to conduct the FPTP system than PR in a large country like India.
Proportional representation is a complicated system and is suitable for small countries. Moreover, FPTP is easy
to understand by common voters who may not possess specialized knowledge about politics and elections.
Choice: The FPTP system offers voters a choice to not only select between parties, but also specific candidates.
In a PR system, voters are often asked to choose a party and the representatives are elected on the basis of party
lists.
Voters know their representatives: In FPTP, candidates know their own representatives, unlike in the
Proportional Representation system. Therefore, in FPTP, candidates can hold the representatives responsible.
Smooth functioning of the Parliamentary government: The parliamentary system requires that the executive
has a majority in the legislature. The makers of the Constitution felt that the PR system may not be appropriate
for giving a stable government in a parliamentary system like India’s. Therefore, the FPTP system helps the
parliamentary government to function smoothly by facilitating the formation of a stable government.
Encourages voters from different social groups to come together: The FTPT system encourages voters from
different social groups to come together to win an election in a locality. In a large and diverse country like
India, a PR system would encourage each community to form its own nationwide party.
 METHODS OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION
1. The entire country is treated as single constituency: under this system a voter is required to
vote not for individual candidate but for one of the parties. Each party wins the no of seats in
proportion to the votes cast for that party. This system is followed in Israel and Netherland.
2. The List system when the country is divided into several separate constituencies: under this
system the parties draws up a list of candidates for each constituency. The voters vote for any
of the lists. Each party wins the number of seats in a particular constituency in proportion to
the votes polled by it. Suppose 1000 votes are required to win 1 seat and if a party obtains
5005 votes in a particular constituency then the first 5 candidates in the list drawn up by the
party will be declared elected.
3. Cumulative Vote system: the voters has as many votes as there are candidates to be elected.
This method is used in Illinois (one of the 50 states of the USA). The voters may plump his
votes on 1 candidate or distribute them amongst 2 or 3 candidates. In this way minority parties
can by concentrating their votes in favour of one candidate hope to secure at least 1 seat in the
legislature.
4. Single Transferable vote system: in India this system is followed for election of President, VP,
the members of Rajya Sabha and the members of State legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)
MERITS OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION
• PR gives a true reflection of popular votes as every vote is counted and reflected in the result. Thus, less number of
votes are wasted, and people’s choice is considered.
• PR electoral system provides equal representation for all interest groups in a community as it ensures that every
group gets to elect the leader that they want to be.
• It further is democratic in nature. Every member is allowed to participate in it, thereby emphasizing the leadership
of the people.
• Another advantage of the proportional representation system is that it protects the minority of the country. It
protects the interest of the minority who cannot influence the government through their less population.
DEMERITS OF PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION
• A major drawback of the PR system is that it is a way too complicated form of election. It gets difficult to
understand its structure since all the groups in society are led by different people or political parties.
• It is expensive in nature as it becomes costly to operate. A majority of the amount and resources cannot be utilized
to conduct elections.
• Proportional representation leads to political instability. This is so because a lot of political parties often make
efforts to supersede their opposition and take full authority. Furthermore, the inability of different political parties
to win the majority in the legislature also lead to the formation of a coalition government.
• Political parties often make manipulation, making it difficult for the voters to assess them before voting.
 PROPORTIONAL
BASIS FOR COMPARISON FIRST PAST THE POST
REPRESENTATION
Meaning First Past the Post is a voting system, Proportional Representation is an
wherein people cast their votes to the electoral device in which seats are
candidate of their choice and the one allotted to the political parties on the
getting the highest number of votes basis of the number of votes polled for
win. them.

Constituency Entire country is segregated into Large geographical areas are termed
various geographical units, i.e. as constituencies.
constituencies.
Representative One representative is elected from One or more representative can be
each constituency. elected from one constituency.
Voting Votes are casted for candidate. Votes are casted for the party.

Seats Votes may or may not be equal to the A party gets seats, as per the
seats got. proportion of votes, it gets.
Majority Winning candidate may not gets the Winning candidate gets the majority
majority votes. votes.
Accountability Exists Does not exist
Clashing of Ideas Does not prevail May Prevail
 RESEVATION OF CONSTITUENCIES
• Under Indian Councils Acts, 1909 the British Govt Introduced the system of Communal
Electorates (separate Electorates) in India.
• The Act provided for separate representation of the Muslim community at the centre as well as
in provincial legislatures. (divide and rule policy).
• Thus makers of the constitution of India rejected the system of separate electorates but seats
are reserved for the SC's and ST’s in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
• In all the Panchayati Raj bodies and Municipal institutions seats are reserved for SC’s and ST’s
in proportion to their population. At least one third of the total number of seats have to be
reserved for women.
• Reservation was essential for oppressed people to voice their opinion as well. They faced socio-
economic inequalities owing to age old customs. The tribals live in isolated high regions and in
forest areas. Therefore they were not able to join fully in the national mainstreams.
• Reservation was made so that they compete with those who have better socio-economic
background.
 COMPOSITION AND FUNCTIONS OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION
Appointment: The Chief Election Commissioner and other Commissioners are appointed by the President.
Term of office: 6 Years, however if the Chief Election Commissioner or Election Commissioner has attained the age
of 65 years, shall vacate office on the date on which he attains the said age.
The CEC and other Commissioners are paid salary equal to the judges of the SC.
If the CEC and other Commissioners differ in opinion on any matter, such matter shall be decide according to the
opinion of the majority.
POWERS AND FUNCTION OF ELECTION COMMISSION:
• Prepares and revise electoral rolls
• Conduct elections ie announcing the last date and makes nominations and exact dates on which polls shall be
held.
• Ensures free and fair Elections (Model code of conduct)
• Determines criteria for recognition of parties as National or States parties.
• Allot symbols to parties and independent candidates
• Finally if any question arises as to whether a member of Parliament has become disqualified from membership
of the house, the question is referred to the President but before giving any decision the opinion of EC is taken
 INDEPENDENCE OF THE ELECTION COMMISSION
The Election Commission of India is an independent constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair
elections in the country. The independence of the Election Commission is crucial to ensure unbiased and impartial
electoral processes. Here are some ways in which the independence of the Election Commission is maintained in
India:
Constitutional Status: The Election Commission is a constitutional body that is enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The Constitution provides for the appointment, tenure, and removal of the Chief Election Commissioner and other
Election Commissioners, which ensures their independence from political interference.
Financial Autonomy: The Election Commission has financial autonomy, which means that it has control over its
budget. The Commission's budget is not subject to approval by the government, which ensures that it can function
independently without any financial constraints.
Appointment of Election Commissioners: The Election Commissioners are appointed by the President of India on
the recommendation of the Prime Minister and other members of the Council of Ministers. The appointment
process is transparent, and the candidates are selected based on their integrity, impartiality, and expertise in
election matters. The appointment of Election Commissioners is for a fixed term, which ensures their independence
from political pressure.
Security of Tenure: The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners have security of tenure,
which means that they cannot be removed from office except in specific circumstances. The Constitution provides
for the removal of Election Commissioners only through a process of impeachment, which ensures their
independence and impartiality.
Role of Judiciary: The judiciary plays a crucial role in maintaining the independence
of the Election Commission. The Election Commission can approach the judiciary to
seek redressal of grievances or to challenge any decision that goes against the
principles of free and fair elections.
The judiciary can also intervene if it finds any attempt to influence the Election
Commission's functioning or its decisions.
Conclusion
The independence of the Election Commission is one of the cornerstones of
democracy in India. The Commission's autonomy and impartiality in conducting
elections ensure that the electoral process is fair and transparent. The measures
mentioned above ensure that the Election Commission can function independently
without any political interference.
 CONDUCT OF ELECTION (ELECTION PROCEDURE)

• Nomination of Candidates: a person is disqualified for being a member of any

House on a number of grounds such as being of unsound mind or holding of
office of profit or having not attained the age prescribed for election to a
particular House.
• Scrutiny of nomination: The Returning officer examines the nomination papers.
• Publication of list of candidates: after the expiry of the last date for withdrawals,
the returning officer publishes the list of contesting candidates.
• Election Campaign: the parties issues Election manifestoes. Public meetings,
rallies, door to door campaign, slogans posters etc.
• Model code of conduct
• The poll and the officers on duty: the election campaign should be stopped 48hrs
before the time when poll concludes on the polling day. The presiding officer
supervises the whole of the polling process. The voters either place sealmark or
press button in EVM.
• Counting of votes and Declaration of results: After the polling has ended the ballot
boxes or voting machines are sealed and carried under the custody to the counting
stations. Then the process of counting the votes begins. The candidate who obtains the
highest number of votes is declared elected.
MEASURES TO ENSURE FREE AND FAIR ELECTION
• One person one vote one value
• The Constitution should ensure independence of EC
• ceiling on election expenditure: (50 to 70 lakh for lok sabha contest and 20 to 28 lakh
for assembly election).
• Govt vehicle and buildings shall not be utilised by the ministers.
• The EC sends observers to sensitive constituencies. If election is rigged or booth is
captured commission shall order for fresh poll.
• Going armed with any kind of arms within neighbourhood of a polling booth is a
cognisable offence.
• To reduce poll related crimes, EVM and tamper proof video cameras have been
introduced.
 Issues in Electoral Politics in India
There are multiple issues plaguing the electoral process in India. Some of the most prominent ones are mentioned below.
•Money Power: In every constituency, candidates have to spend crores of rupees for campaigning, publicity, etc. Most
candidates far exceed the permissible limit of expenses.
•Muscle Power: In certain parts of the country, there are widespread reports of illegal and untoward incidents during polling
such as the use of violence, intimidation, booth capturing, etc.
•Criminalization of Politics and Politicization of Criminals: Criminals enter into politics and ensure that money and muscle
power wins them elections, so that the cases against them are not proceeded with. Political parties are also happy as long as
they have winnable candidates. Political parties field criminals in elections for funds and in return provide them with political
patronage and protection.
•Misuse of Government Machinery: There is a general opinion that the party in power uses government machinery such as
using government vehicles for canvassing, advertisements at the cost of the exchequer, disbursements out of the discretionary
funds at the disposal of the ministers, and other such means to improve the chances of their candidates winning.
•Non-serious Independent candidates: Serious candidates float non-serious candidates in elections to cut a good portion of the
votes that would otherwise have gone to rival candidates.
•Casteism: There are cases of certain caste groups lending strong support to particular political parties. Thus, political parties
make offers to win over different caste groups, and caste groups also try to pressurize parties to offer tickets for their members’
elections. Voting on caste lines is prevalent in the country and this is a serious blotch on democracy and equality. This also
creates rifts in the country.
•Communalism: Communal polarization poses a serious threat to the Indian political ethos of pluralism, parliamentarianism,
secularism and federalism. Read more about Communalism in the linked article.
•Lack of Moral Values in Politics: The political corruption in India has led to politics becoming a business. People enter the
political arena for making money and retaining their money and power. There are very few leaders who enter politics to make a
difference in the lives of their people. The Gandhian values of service and sacrifice are missing from the Indian political scene
 ELECTORAL REFORMS
• Proportional representation: the existing FPTP has failed to provide fair representation to various sections of society.
Therefore suggestions to introduce proportional representation have been made by various pol parties from time to time.
But the system of PR has been criticized mainly on two grounds (1) the complexity of the system. (2) this system may
make all govt coalition govt.
• Role of Money Power in Election: in order to curb the role of money power in election: (1) regular audit of party funds,
(2) submitting an accounts of donations received from private companies, (3) state funding of election
• EVMs and VVPAT slips: EVMs are the safest along with that all EVMs have Voters verifiable paper audit trial slip.
• Muscle power and Criminality in Electoral Politics: as per direction of SC the candidates are required to declare the
details of cases registered up to 6 months before filing nomination.
• Model code of conduct
• The voting age was lowered: Initially, the voteable age was 21 years, the 61st Amendment Act of the Constitution
reduced this age to 18 years.
• Voter’s awareness: The government has taken steps to enhance voters’ awareness by dedicating January 25th as
‘National Voters Day’.
• Limiting the Election Expenditure: The amount a candidate can spend for election in Lok Sabha Constituencies is between
54 lakhs-70 lakhs to 70 lakhs-95 lakhs and in the case of state elections the range is between 20 lakhs-28 lakhs to 40
lakhs.
• Disqualification on conviction for violating the National Honours Act, 1971: This shall lead to disqualification of the
person for 6 years from contesting to the Parliament and the state legislatures.
• Restriction on contesting from more than 2 constituencies: A candidate cannot contest from more than 2 constituencies.