Question

Write the process of elections in detail

Answer 1

Introduction:

India is a country, divided into states and union territories, with a parliamentary system governed under the Constitution of India, which defines the power distribution among the federal government and the states.

The President of India is the ceremonial head of the country and supreme commander-in-chief for all defence forces in India.

However, it is the Prime Minister of India, who is the leader of the party or political alliance having a majority in the national elections to the Lok Sabha, that exercises most executive powers for matters that require countrywide affection under a federal system.

India is regionally divided into States (and Union Territories) and each State has a Chief Minister who is the leader of the party or political alliance has won a majority in the regional elections otherwise known as State Assembly Elections that exercises executive powers in that State. The respective State's Chief Minister has executive powers within the State and works jointly with the Prime Minister of India or his ministers on matters that require both State and Central attention. Some Union Territories also elect an Assembly and have a territorial government and other (mainly smaller) Union Territories are governed by a person appointed by the President of India.

The President of India monitors the rule of law through his appointed governors in each State and on their recommendation can take over the executive powers from the Chief Minister of the State, temporarily when the elected representatives of the State government has failed to create a peaceful environment and has deteriorated into chaos. The President of India dissolves the existing State government if necessary, and a new election is conducted.

Election Commission:

Election Commission is a federal body, enacted under the provisions of the Constitution, responsible for monitoring and administering all the electoral processes of India. This body is responsible for ensuring elections are free and fair, without any bias.

Election Commission ensures the conduct of members pre-elections, during elections, and post-elections are as per the statutory legislation.

All election-related disputes are handled by the Election Commission. The Supreme Court of India has held that where the enacted laws are silent or make insufficient provision to deal with a given situation in the conduct of elections, the Election Commission has the residuary powers under the Constitution to act as appropriate.

Types of Elections

Elections in the Republic of India include elections for :

1. Members of the Parliament in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha,
2. Members of State Legislative Assemblies, (and also Assembly elections to some of the Union Territories like Delhi),
3. Members of State Legislative Councils,
4. Members in village panchayats or city corporation councils.
5. By-election is held when a person of a particular constituent dies, resigns, or is disqualified.