Electoral Politics: CBSE Class 9 Civics Chapter 3 Guide

Why Do We Need Elections?

In any large community or country, it is impossible for all the people to sit together every day and take all the decisions. This is why in most democracies, people rule through their representatives. An election is the mechanism by which people can choose their representatives at regular intervals and change them if they wish to do so. But why is this system so crucial?

1. Enabling Choice: Elections provide political competition. In India, we have a multi-party system which offers voters a real choice between different parties and candidates. Voters can choose who will make laws for them, who will form the government and take major decisions.
2. Ensuring Accountability: The fact that elections are held regularly (every 5 years for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies in India) forces political parties and leaders to be accountable. If they don't perform well or fulfill their promises, people can vote them out in the next election. This fear of losing power is a powerful motivator for representatives to work for the people.
3. Legitimacy: When leaders are chosen through a free and fair electoral process, their rule is seen as legitimate. People accept the government's decisions because they have had a role in choosing who makes those decisions.

The Journey of an Election in India

1. Step 1: Announcement of Election Schedule — The Election Commission of India (ECI) announces the dates for the election. As soon as this is done, the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect, which is a set of rules all parties and candidates must follow.
2. Step 2: Nomination of Candidates — Political parties select their candidates to contest from different constituencies. These candidates then file their nomination papers with the election officials, giving details about their assets, liabilities, and any criminal cases against them.
3. Step 3: Election Campaign — This is a two-week period between the final list of candidates and the date of polling. During this time, candidates contact their voters, political leaders address election meetings, and political parties mobilise their supporters. They use slogans, posters, and speeches to win votes.
4. Step 4: Polling Day — This is the day when voters cast their votes. They go to a designated polling booth, prove their identity, and vote in secret using an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).
5. Step 5: Counting of Votes and Declaration of Results — On a fixed date, the EVMs from all constituencies are opened, and the votes are counted. The candidate who secures the highest number of votes from a constituency is declared elected. The results are broadcast live on TV and radio.
6. Step 6: Formation of Government — The party or coalition of parties that wins a majority of seats in the legislature (e.g., more than half the seats in the Lok Sabha) is invited by the President (or Governor in a state) to form the government.

Key Terms in Electoral Politics

Constituency

An area from which voters elect a representative to a legislative body like the Lok Sabha or a State Assembly. India is divided into numerous constituencies for election purposes.

Electoral Roll (Voter's List)

The official list of all citizens who are eligible to vote in a particular constituency. This list is prepared and updated by the Election Commission before every election.

Model Code of Conduct

A set of norms and guidelines issued by the Election Commission for political parties and candidates to follow during elections. It aims to ensure free and fair elections by preventing malpractices.

Reserved Constituencies

Constituencies that are reserved for candidates from the Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to ensure they have fair representation in our legislative bodies.

Exam Tip: Challenges to Free and Fair Elections

A common long-answer question asks about the challenges that India faces in conducting free and fair elections. While our system is largely robust, you should be prepared to discuss these key challenges:

• Money Power: Candidates and parties with a lot of money may have an unfair advantage. They can spend huge amounts on campaigns and sometimes even bribe voters.
• Muscle Power (Criminalisation of Politics): Sometimes, candidates with criminal connections use intimidation and force to win elections.
• Dynastic Succession: In many political parties, top positions are controlled by members of one family. Tickets to contest elections are often distributed to relatives, which reduces opportunities for ordinary party workers.
• Lack of Meaningful Choice: Often, the major parties have very similar policies and ideologies, which leaves voters with little real choice.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• What are the main functions of the Election Commission of India? A: Step 1: The Election Commission (EC) is an independent body responsible for conducting free and fair elections in India. Its first major function is to prepare and maintain the electoral rolls (voter's lists). Step 2: The EC announces the election schedule, which includes dates for nomination, polling, and counting. It also implements the Model Code of Conduct to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and parties. Step 3: The EC scrutinises nomination papers, allots symbols to political parties, and takes decisions on every aspect of conducting elections, from campaigning to the declaration of results. It can even order a re-poll in a booth or constituency if it finds evidence of malpractices. Final answer: The key functions of the Election Commission are preparing electoral rolls, announcing the election schedule, implementing the Model Code of Conduct, and overseeing the entire election process to ensure it is free and fair.
• What are 'reserved constituencies' and why are they necessary in a country like India? A: Step 1: Define reserved constituencies. These are specific electoral constituencies from which only individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) or Scheduled Tribes (ST) can contest elections. However, all voters in that constituency, regardless of their caste or tribe, can vote. Step 2: Explain the reason for their necessity. The framers of our Constitution were concerned that in an open electoral competition, influential and resourceful people might prevent candidates from weaker sections (like SCs and STs) from winning. This would deprive our Parliament and Assemblies of their voices. Step 3: Conclude with the purpose. Therefore, reserved constituencies were created to ensure that these socially and historically disadvantaged groups get fair and adequate representation in our legislative bodies, making our democracy more inclusive and representative. Final answer: Reserved constituencies are areas where only SC/ST candidates can contest, created to ensure that weaker sections of society get fair representation in Parliament and State Assemblies, which might not be possible in an open competition.
• List the minimum conditions that are required to make an election democratic. A: Step 1: The first condition is that everyone should be able to choose. This means everyone should have one vote and every vote should have equal value. This is known as Universal Adult Franchise. Step 2: The second condition is that 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. Step 3: The third condition is that the choice should be offered at regular intervals. Elections must be held periodically, for example, every five years. Step 4: The fourth and fifth conditions are that the candidate preferred by the people should get elected, and elections should be conducted in a free and fair manner where people can choose as they really wish. This requires an independent body like the Election Commission to oversee the process. Final answer: The conditions for a democratic election are: universal adult franchise with equal value for each vote, real choice between parties, elections at regular intervals, the people's preferred candidate winning, and a free and fair process overseen by an independent body.
• What is the Model Code of Conduct? Mention two of its key provisions. A: Step 1: Define the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India for political parties and candidates to follow during the election period. Its primary purpose is to ensure that the ruling party does not misuse its position and to maintain a fair and ethical campaign environment. Step 2: State the first provision. One key provision is that parties and candidates cannot use government resources (like vehicles, aircraft, or government buildings) for election campaigning. Step 3: State the second provision. Another important provision is that once elections are announced, ministers cannot lay foundation stones of any projects, take any major policy decisions, or make any promises of providing public facilities. This prevents them from unfairly influencing voters. Final answer: The Model Code of Conduct is a set of rules for parties and candidates during elections. Two key provisions are the prohibition of using government resources for campaigning and the ban on ministers making new policy announcements or promises after the election schedule is declared.

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