Maharashtra Board Class 10 Political Science Chapter 2 The Electoral Process PDF Download

The Electoral Process

Elections have played a major role in the working of India's democracy. Elections and representation are two very important processes in democracy. We know that people's representatives are selected through elections. Elections help to bring a change in power through peaceful means. Different political parties get an opportunity to rule. Policies of the government and life of society also changes. We expect that the representatives we elect should be efficient, honest, and trustworthy and that they should respect the opinion of people. The electoral process should also be free, fair and reliable. To ensure that, the Constitution of India has made provision for an independent Election Commission to administer the election process in India.

The Election Commission of India and the State level State Election Commissions conduct all important elections in our country. The entire process of elections from declaring the date of elections to the declaration of results is carried out under the direction and control of Election Commission. The election process is an inseparable component of a comprehensive democratic process.

In this chapter we will understand the structure, functions and role of the Election Commission. We will also discuss the reforms required to be made in the electoral process.

Election Commission

In India, the Election Commission is central to the process of elections. Art 324 of the Indian Constitution has established this autonomous body which consists of one Chief Election Commissioner and two other commissioners.

What is representation? Modern democracy is a representative democracy. In a democracy it is not possible to involve the entire population in the decision-making process. This resulted in the starting of the practice of electing some people on behalf of entire population as representatives who would run the government. The representatives who form the government are expected to be responsible to the people and give preference to the welfare of the people.

Sukumar Sen was the first chief election commissioner after independence. In 1921, Sen was selected for Indian Civil Services under the British rule. He was given the charge of the Election Commissioner after the Election Commission was established in 1950. Mr. Sen efficiently handled the responsibility of the Election Commission in extremely adverse conditions.

Teacher's Note

Elections are how we choose our leaders in India. When you grow up, you will also vote to pick your leaders, just like your parents do.

Exam Trick

Remember: Election Commission = Boss of Elections. It controls everything about voting in India, from making the voter list to deciding when elections happen.

Points to Remember

Elections help bring change in power in a peaceful way.
The Election Commission of India controls all elections in our country.
The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President.
Representatives are people we elect to run the government for us.
Every Indian citizen above 18 years old can vote.

The President appoints the election commissioners. The Chief Election Commissioner cannot be removed from his post easily or on account of any political reasons. This is necessary so as to preserve the independence of election commission. There is a separate provision made for the expenses of Election Commission.

The Election Commission does not have a separate staff. Government officers, teachers and other employees help the Election Commission to execute the process of elections.

Functions of Election Commission

(1) Preparing the voters list : Every Indian citizen who has completed 18 years of age has a right to vote. To exercise the right to vote, citizen's name must be in the voters list. It is the responsibility of the Election Commission to prepare the list of eligible voters, update the existing voter's list and include the names of new voters. The Election Commission has the authority to issue identity cards to the voters.

Special campaign to create awareness among voters is run for voter's registration. The National Voter's Day is celebrated for the purpose.

When candidates have only the condition of age as eligibility, why should they give other information to election commission?

Why are the candidates required to give the information of their property to Election Commission?

(2) Decide the timetable and the programme of elections : The conduct of elections is entirely the responsibility of the Election Commission. The Election Commission decides when to conduct elections and in how many stages to hold elections in every state.

(3) Scrutiny of the applications of candidates : After the election dates are declared, every political party selects the candidates to contest elections. Some candidates contest the elections independently without the support of any political party. Candidates of political parties as well as independent candidates have to fill the applications which include the information about their own self. The Election Commission scrutinises all the applications and allows the eligible candidates to contest the elections.

(4) Give recognition to political parties : We have a multiparty system in our country. New parties continue to be formed. Spilt in the parties results in the formation of new parties. All political parties are required to be recognised by the Election Commission. Election Commission also has a right to derecognise any political party. The Election Commission also allots election symbols to the political parties.

Some constituencies are kept reserved for Scheduled caste and Scheduled tribes.

Every political party has an election symbol.

At the time of voting and counting of votes, the official representatives of political parties remain present.

Recognised parties have equal opportunity to present their side before media such as television and radio.

Can you tell ? What criteria are laid down by the Election Commission for giving recognition to political parties ?

Teacher's Note

The Election Commission makes sure that all parties get equal chances. This is like a fair game where all players follow the same rules.

Exam Trick

Remember the four main functions: Make voter lists, Decide election dates, Check candidate forms, and Give symbols to parties. Think of it as: List, Date, Check, Symbol.

Points to Remember

Every person above 18 years must be in the voter list to vote.
The Election Commission decides when elections will be held.
All candidates must fill forms and give information about themselves.
Political parties must be recognized by the Election Commission.
Each party gets its own special symbol for voting.

(5) To resolve any disputes relating to elections : The Election Commission has the responsibility of resolving any disputes that may arise regarding elections. Accordingly, to declare any candidate as disqualified or conduct re-election in a particular constituency is the responsibility of the Election Commission.

Which two conditions among following is the violation of code of conduct?

The candidate distributes items of household use.

Promise made to resolve the water problem if elected.

To go from door to door to meet voters and request them to vote.

To appeal on the basis of caste and religion to get support.

Which of these rules would you include in the code of conduct for voters?

Sham Sharan Negi from Himachal Pradesh was the first voter of India. He exercised his right to vote on 25th October 1951 in Loksabha Elections.

What will you do ? Voting is our duty as well as a responsibility.

Government has to observe the code of conduct declared by the Election commission.

Remember this. Who is superior ? the Government or the Election Commission?

Teacher's Note

The Election Commission can even tell the government what to do during elections. No one is above these rules, not even leaders or government officers.

Exam Trick

Remember: Election Commission is the BOSS during elections. Even the Prime Minister must follow its rules. It is like a referee in a cricket match.

Points to Remember

The Election Commission can solve any problems that happen during elections.
It can punish candidates who break rules.
It can hold new elections if something goes wrong.
No one, not even the government, can ignore Election Commission's orders during elections.
It resolves disputes and makes fair decisions.

This is a preview of the first 3 pages. To get the complete book, click below.