describe in detail the various steps in the election process
Answers
. Formation of Constituencies:
The Constitution lays down that after the completion of each census the allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha to States shall be readjusted. Similarly, the constituencies for elections to the legislative assemblies are also readjusted.
. Filling of Nominations:
The nomination of candidates is an important part of the election process. The regulations require that the candidate or the person who proposes his name files the nomination papers with the Returning Officer. In order to be chosen a member of the Rajya Sabha or the State Legislative Council, a person must be not less than 30 years of age.
For election to the Lok sabha or the State Legislative Assembly, a person should have attained an age of 25 years. A person is disqualified for being chosen as a member of any House, (i) if he holds any office of profit under the Government of India or of any State (The offices of Ministers or Deputy Ministers are not regarded as offices of profit for this purpose); (ii) if he is of unsound mind and stands so declared by a competent court; (iii) if he is an un-discharged insolvent; (iv) if he has ceased to be a citizen of India; and (v) if he is so disqualified under any law made by Parliament.
Scrutiny of Nominations:
The Returning Officer scrutinizes the nomination papers very carefully. When someone is dissatisfied, he is officially stopped from contesting election for six years. The candidates can withdraw their nomination papers even after they have been found in order
Election Campaign:
Techniques of election campaign and the tools employed by the parties and the independent candidates are many:
(i) Election Manifesto:
The parties issue their Election Manifestoes. A Manifesto is a Statement of great significance. It is “a formal Statement of the programme and objectives of a political party” It deals with issues such as restructuring of Centre-State relations, guarantees to religious or linguistic minorities, justice and judicial reforms, fiscal reform, economic growth, social justice, problems of the handicapped, health, nutrition, education, defence and world peace. The Manifesto contains programmes and promises, with a view to attract the largest number of voters.
(ii) Electioneering (Activities and Techniques to Persuade Voters):
Answer:
- The election process of US President can be consolidated into five steps – Step 1: Primaries and Caucuses, Step 2: National Conventions, Step 3: Election Campaigning, Step 4: General Election, and Step 5: Electoral College.