Question

What are the important features of free and fair election. Explain with example.

Answer 1

The features of free and fair elections are

1. All adult citizens should be free to vote without fear. There is no intimidation of voters through violence.
2. Any adult citizen can stand as a candidate in elections.
3. There is no attempt to bribe voters using money or other favours to vote for a particular candidate.
4. The votes are counted by an independent body after the elections.
5. If the ruling party loses the election, it should give up power without creating any problem.

Answer 2

Elections are a central feature of democracy. For elections to express the will of the electorate, they must be ‘free and fair’.

‘Free’ means that all those entitled to vote have the right to be registered and to vote and must be free to make their choice. In South Africa every citizen over the age of 18 is entitled to vote. An election is considered ‘free’ when you can decide whether or not to vote and vote freely for the candidate or party of your choice without fear or intimidation. A ‘free’ election is also one where you are confident that who you vote for remains your secret.

‘Fair’ means that all registered political parties have an equal right to contest the elections, campaign for voter support and hold meetings and rallies. This gives them a fair chance to convince voters to vote for them. A fair election is also one in which all voters have an equal opportunity to register, where all votes are counted, and where the announced results reflect the actual vote totals.

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