how fair is our election process in India . essay about 2 pages plz
Answers
The framers of the Constitution were well aware of the importance of free and fair elections in a democracy. The Constitution as such provides for an Election Commission not answerable to the executive. The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President and is assisted by a number of other Election Commissioners.
The independence of the Commission is ensured by providing that the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only though a process of impeachment as prescribed in case of Judges of the Supreme Court.
The Election Commission functions with the help of the staff of the Central and State governments. When deployed on election duty, these officers and officials of central and State governments are deemed to be on deputation to the Commission. The Commission is assisted by Chief Electoral Officers who assist in the preparation and revision of electoral rolls.
First past the Post System of Elections:
Elections in India are held under this system. The whole country is divided into constituencies. Voters select a single candidate by marking against the candidate of their choice or through electronic voting machines. The candidate who secures the highest number of votes is declared elected.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
(He may have secured even less than half of the total votes polled. Consider a situation in which 1000 votes have been polled. There were 6 candidates in the contest. They secured 140,150,160,170,180 and 200 votes respectively. The candidate securing 200 votes stands selected even though he represents only 20% of the voters. This remains a weakness of the system in which first past the post is declared winner.)
The system is easy to operate. There is however heavy wastage of votes cast in favor of losing candidates. The Constitution prescribes the membership strength of the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies. The Election Commission is responsible for preparation and revision of electoral rolls (list of voters for each constituency) and the delimitation of constituencies (marking of territory for each constituency).
System in Operation:
The Election Commission appoints Electoral Registration Officers in consultation with State governments. They are assisted by Assistant Registration Officers. The existing electoral rolls are displayed at select places. Any citizen who feels he is eligible but his / her name does not figure in the list can fill up a form and get his name included in the electoral Roll.
Conduct of Elections:
Whenever the new elections become due, the Election Commission issues a notification to that effect. The various governments in place are hereafter forbidden from doing any act that might further favor their electoral prospects. The Commission in consultation with the state administration appoints Returning Officers for the various constituencies from where elections are to be held.
Updating of Electoral Rolls:
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Electoral rolls are prepared and updated though the agency of state officials. They are required to do this in addition to their own duties. Political parties take an interest in getting voters sympathetic to those enrolled. The rest are left to fend on their own. The initiative does not come from the state authorities or the persons involved in updating the electoral rolls. Issue of voter’s identity card is still in process.
Providing voters photo identity cards is a colossal task but can be a very effective way of checking bogus voting.
Answer:
Elections are one of the important pillars on which the democracy of a country lies. It provides the power in the hands of its citizen so that they could utilize it to elect a government of their choice which could work for their betterment and safeguard their rights and freedom. It also helps in building new leaders who can lead the nation on all fronts and ensure progress, prosperity and development in the country.
Why do we Need Elections?
Election is considered as the essence of democracy and it is the method by which most of the governments in the world are formed. It not only helps public to choose a representative of their choice but also keeps a check on them. Elections also play a pivotal role in a country in the following aspects:
For Healthy Democracy
As we know that democracy is a form of government where the power lies in the hands of its citizen and free and fair elections are the signs of a health democracy. It gives the right of voting to the public so that they can elect the government of their choice which works for their welfare.
Keeps a Check on Government
Elections also keep a check on the government as it gets conducted at a definite interval and the incumbent government could be uprooted and replaced if their policies go against the welfare of the public. It acts as a medium through which the politics in a country gets controlled by its citizens.
Self-Corrective Measures for Government
From the government’s aspect, election acts as a self corrective measure as it helps them to review their performance at a regular interval and put their efforts to work for public welfare and frame policies which appeal to citizens so that they support the government through voting as voting is the only medium to have the legitimate power.
Control on Autocracy
In an autocratic government, the supreme power lies in the hands of a single person like monarchies or dictatorship. Elections prevent the country from becoming autocratic as it gives the power in the hands of its people by distributing it equally among all and conducting elections at definite interval.
Importance of Election in Democracy
Election in a democratic country helps to sustain democracy by directly including its citizens in choosing a government for the country. The electoral process involves people from different backgrounds, communities, classes etc to put their valuable opinions through election. It gives them an option where they can choose a candidate, without any pressure or force, who talks for them and represents them on much larger platform.
Elections not only represent the people in majority but it also talks about minority. It respects the opinions of both in choosing a government which provides them an equal opportunity, equal distribution of income and equal right on the country’s resources. The government chosen through public voting will always work for the inclusive growth without any discrimination or favor and will focus on making the country strong and developed.
Conclusion
Elections play a pivotal role in sustaining democracy in a country and safeguarding it from anarchy and dictatorship. It provides the power in the hands of its people and gives them an option to make their choice of government in the country. It is a tool which helps every class and community to get up and speak for themselves through their representatives. It also keeps a check on the government and its policies as it has to appear in front of public during elections and could be replaced if their policies and workings are against the welfare of the public.