Question

SECTION-B: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS
21. Democracy is possible only if the elections are free and fair. Justify this statement.
​

Answer 1

Answer:

Reaffirming the significance of the Universal Declaration of Human

Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which

establish that the authority to govern shall be based on the will of the people

as expressed in periodic and genuine elections,

Acknowledging and endorsing the fundamental principles relating to

periodic free and fair elections that have been recognized by States in universal

and regional human rights instruments, including the right of everyone to take

part in the government of his or her country directly or indirectly through

freely chosen representatives, to vote in such elections by secret ballot, to have

an equal opportunity to become a candidate for election, and to put forward

his or her political views, individually or in association with others,

Conscious of the fact that each State has the sovereign right, in

accordance with the will of its people, freely to choose and develop its own

political, social, economic and cultural systems without interference by other

States in strict conformity with the United Nations Charter,

Wishing to promote the establishment of democratic, pluralist systems

of representative government throughout the world,

Recognizing that the establishment and strengthening of democratic

processes and institutions is the common responsibility of governments, the

electorate and organized political forces, that periodic and genuine elections

are a necessary and indispensable element of sustained efforts to protect the

rights and interests of the governed and that, as a matter of practical experience,

the right of everyone to take part in the government of his or her country is a

crucial factor in the effective enjoyment by all of human rights and fundamental

freedoms,

Welcoming the expanding role of the United Nations, the Inter-

Parliamentary Union, regional organizations and parliamentary assemblies,

and international and national non-governmental organizations in providing

electoral assistance at the request of governments,

Therefore adopts the following Declaration on Free and fair Elections,

and urges Governments and Parliaments throughout the world to be guided