Question

Question 10 Here are some reports of malpractices in Indian elections. Identify what the problem in each case is. What should be done to correct the situation?
(a) Following the announcement of elections, the minister promised to provide financial aid to reopen the closed sugar mill.
(b) Opposition parties alleged that their statements and campaign was not given due attention in Doordarshan and All India Radio.
(c) An inquiry by the Election Commission showed that electoral rolls of a state contain name of 20 lakh fake voters.
(d) The hoodlums of a political party were moving with guns, physically preventing supporters of other political parties to meet the voters and attacking meetings of other parties.

Class 9 - Social science - Electoral Politics Page 76

Answer 1

a) Problem:

 The Ministerhas violated the Model Code of Conduct.

Correction: legal action should be taken against the Minister & the Minister can be punished by the election commission for violating the code of conduct.

 

b)Problem:

Misuse of Government resources such as Doordarshan and All India Radio.

 

Correction: this problem can be checked by making Doordarshan and all India radio autonomous bodies. Time is allotted to all the parties on the Doon Darshan and the All India Radio by the election commission.

 

c) Problem:

All the fake voter name should be removed from the electoral roll.

 

Correction: Electoral roll should be properly checked and revised and action should be taken against official concerned

 

d) Problem: The election were not free and fair.

 

Correction:

Law and order should be maintained and all political parties should have election meeting peacefully.

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Hope this will help you...

Answer 2

After the elections are announced the code of conduct comes in to action. Violators must be punished irrespective of their party and position they have. The code of conduct identifies all unfair means that shouldn't be used during elections. Election commission with highest and independent authority ensures fair means and formulates code of conduct.

a)
Problem: sugary promises to trap innocent voters.
Solution: Cheap populist grants, promises, ordinances and measures cannot be taken up by the government, to attract voters in unfair manner.

b)
Unfair distribution of time among all parties.

Solution: All state owned media are given equal time slots for campaigning. This data must be submitted to the EC.

c) Voter list is manipulated by influential parties.

Voter list must be open and transparent. Voter list must be verified before elections. Aadhar and ID cards must be carried to be able to vote.

Biometric EVM must be used for catching fake voters.

d) Lack of security for the people and small parties.

Solution: Holding arms must be made punishable. Sufficient police and army protection must be provided to all people and parties during the voting period. People's complaints must be heard and acted upon immediately.

CCTV and latest information technology means must be used to catch criminals.