Science Political Science Chapter 3 Electoral Politics Class 9 Notes

Why Do We Need Elections in a Democracy?

In a large community, it is not possible for everyone to sit together every day and take all decisions. Nor is it possible for everyone to have the necessary knowledge and time to decide on all matters. Therefore, in most democracies, people rule through their representatives. Elections are a democratic mechanism by which people can choose their representatives at regular intervals and change them if they wish to do so.

In an election, the voters make several crucial choices:

1. They choose who will make laws for them.
2. They choose who will form the government and take major executive decisions.
3. They choose the political party whose policies will guide the government and law-making process.

To ensure elections are democratic, they must fulfill minimum conditions: everyone must have one vote with equal value, there must be something to choose from (multiple candidates and parties), choices must be offered at regular intervals, and the election must be conducted in a free and fair manner where people can vote without fear.

Key Electoral Terminology

Electoral Constituency

A specific area-based division of the country or state from which voters elect one representative to the legislature.

Voters' List (Electoral Roll)

The official list containing the names of all citizens who are registered and eligible to vote in an election.

Universal Adult Suffrage

The constitutional right granted to all adult citizens (18 years and above in India) to vote without discrimination based on caste, class, gender, or religion.

Code of Conduct

A strict set of norms, guidelines, and rules issued by the Election Commission that all political parties and candidates must follow during campaigning.

Incumbent

The current holder of a political office or the ruling party that is presently in power during an election cycle.

Rigging

Fraudulent or unfair practices carried out by candidates or political parties to manipulate voting figures and alter election results (e.g., ballot stuffing).

Must-Remember Aspects of Indian Elections

• India is divided into 543 Lok Sabha constituencies for parliamentary general elections.
• The representative elected from each Lok Sabha constituency is called a Member of Parliament (MP).
• For state level elections, the state is divided into assembly constituencies, and the winner is called a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA).
• Reserved Constituencies secure seats exclusively for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) to prevent political exclusion.
• Currently, in the Lok Sabha, 84 seats are reserved for SCs and 47 seats are reserved for STs (as of recent delimitations).
• For local government bodies (Panchayats and Municipalities), one-third (33%) of the seats are reserved for women candidates.
• Every candidate wishing to contest an election must be at least 25 years of age and submit a legal declaration detailing assets, liabilities, and pending criminal cases.
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent body that enjoys the same level of independence as the Judiciary.

Step-by-Step Election Process in India

1. — Dividing the state or nation into geographic constituencies based on population distribution.
2. — Updating the electoral roll to add new eligible 18-year-old voters and remove deceased or relocated individuals.
3. — Political parties nominate candidates (who receive a party ticket). Candidates file nomination papers along with a security deposit and asset declaration.
4. — A two-week intense period where parties host rallies, release manifestos, and try to persuade voters to support them.
5. — On election day, voters cast their votes securely using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at local polling booths.
6. — EVMs are opened on a scheduled date, votes are counted under secure supervision, and the candidate with the highest votes is declared the winner.

Democratic vs. Non-Democratic Elections

Historical Case Studies in Electoral Politics

• {"title":"The Haryana 'Nyaya Yudh' Movement (1987)","description":"Chaudhary Devi Lal, an opposition leader, led a movement called 'Struggle for Justice' and formed the 'Lok Dal' party. He promised to waive bank loans for farmers and small businessmen if elected. His coalition won a landslide of 76 out of 90 seats, proving how attractive electoral promises can shape democratic power shifts."}
• {"title":"Usage of EVMs and VVPAT","description":"In India, paper ballots were completely replaced by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the early 2000s. To increase transparency, the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) was introduced, allowing voters to visually confirm that their vote went to their chosen candidate."}

Board Exam Strategy and Common Pitfalls

1. Powers of the Election Commission (5-Marker): This is the most frequently asked long-answer question. Remember to list concrete points: the EC implements the Model Code of Conduct, controls the deployment of police/security on election duty, schedules elections, and has the absolute authority to order a repoll in rigged booths.
2. Avoid the Class Confusion: Do not mistake Lok Sabha (parliamentary) elections with Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha/state) elections. An MP sits in New Delhi, while an MLA sits in the state capital.
3. Reserve Seats Numbers: Memorize the exact numbers: 543 elected Lok Sabha seats, 84 for SC, and 47 for ST. Writing exact numbers instantly improves your score.

Quick Revision Check

• What are the rules mentioned under the Model Code of Conduct for election campaigns? According to the Model Code of Conduct, no party or candidate can: (1) Use any place of worship for election propaganda, (2) Use government vehicles, aircraft, or officials for elections, and (3) Lay foundation stones of any projects or make major policy promises once elections are announced.
• Why are elections considered healthy in terms of political competition? Electoral competition provides incentives to political parties and leaders. They know that if they raise issues that people want raised, their popularity and chances of victory will increase. If they fail to satisfy voters, they will lose subsequent elections.
• What is the role of an independent judiciary during elections? If there are disputes regarding rigged votes, malpractice, or code violations that the Election Commission cannot resolve directly, citizens and candidates can file election petitions in High Courts or the Supreme Court for legal recourse.
• What is a By-Election? A by-election is an election held in only one particular constituency to fill a vacancy caused by the death or resignation of an elected member before their 5-year term ends.

Frequently Asked Questions