Grasp the characteristics of the election system in India.
Comprehend the importance of provisions for free and fair elections.
Engage with the debate on electoral reforms.
Elections and Democracy
Elections are fundamental to democracy, but two critical questions arise: Can democracy exist without elections? Can elections occur without democracy? These queries highlight the necessity of representation in large democracies, where citizens elect representatives because it is impossible for all to directly participate in decision-making. This makes elections a core symbol of democracy.
Direct vs. Indirect Democracy: In direct democracy, citizens directly participate in decision-making. Ancient Greece and local governments, like the Gram Sabha, are examples. However, in countries with large populations like India, indirect democracy is essential. Citizens elect representatives who make and execute decisions on their behalf.
Democratic and Non-Democratic Elections: Not all elections are democratic. Non-democratic regimes hold elections that do not challenge their power. A democratic constitution is key in ensuring elections are fair by answering essential questions:
Who can vote?
Who can contest?
Who supervises elections?
How are votes counted and representatives chosen?
These constitutional rules ensure free and fair elections.
Election System in India
India follows a specific election system designed to ensure fair representation and maintain the integrity of the democratic process.
First Past the Post (FPTP) System: Under the FPTP system, India is divided into 543 constituencies, each electing one representative. The candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not secure a majority of votes. For instance, in the 1984 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party won 415 seats with only 48% of the votes. This system is also known as the Plurality System, where the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not have an absolute majority.
Proportional Representation (PR) System: In contrast, countries like Israel follow the PR system, where parties get seats proportional to their share of votes. There are two variations of the PR system:
The entire country can be a single constituency.
The country is divided into multi-member constituencies. Voters select parties, and the seats are allocated based on the percentage of votes. The PR system ensures smaller parties get representation, but it often leads to coalition governments.
Important Note The FPTP system allows for simpler elections and clearer choices, but it does not ensure proportional representation. The PR system, while more inclusive, complicates the formation of stable governments.
Comparison of FPTP and PR Systems
Aspect
FPTP
PR
Constituency Type
Divided into small constituencies
Large constituencies or entire country
Votes For
Candidate
Party
Seat Allocation
Winner-takes-all
Seats proportional to vote share
Majority Requirement
Not necessary
Ensures proportional seat distribution
Examples
India, UK
Israel, Netherlands
India uses a modified PR system for Rajya Sabha elections, involving a Single Transferable Vote (STV) system. In this system, voters rank candidates by preference. The counting process is more complex, but it ensures that elected representatives reflect broader preferences across multi-member constituencies.
Why India Adopted FPTP System
India adopted the FPTP system because of its simplicity. It presents clear choices between candidates and parties and works effectively in a diverse and populous country like India. The FPTP system ensures accountability since voters know their representatives, unlike the PR system where responsibility may be diffused across parties. Furthermore, parliamentary stability is better achieved in the FPTP system, where a single party or coalition often gains a majority of seats.
Important Note The FPTP system has successfully fostered electoral stability and allowed diverse social groups to compete in India’s elections. The system has enabled larger parties to form clear majorities, helping parliamentary governments function effectively.
Reservation of Constituencies
The FPTP system can disadvantage smaller social groups, especially in a society with a history of caste-based discrimination. To counter this, the Indian Constitution provides for reservation of constituencies for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST).
Reserved Constituencies: In a reserved constituency, only candidates from the reserved community can contest, though everyone can vote. This ensures representation of oppressed social groups across India. The number of reserved seats is proportional to the population of SCs and STs in India.
Delimitation Commission: An independent Delimitation Commission decides which constituencies are reserved based on the population composition of SCs and STs in each state.
Reservation for women has also been a topic of debate. While women are underrepresented in legislatures, the Women’s Reservation Bill proposing to reserve one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies has yet to pass.
Free and Fair Elections
A cornerstone of a functioning democracy is free and fair elections. The Constitution lays down two crucial principles: universal franchise and the right to contest elections.
Universal Adult Franchise: India has followed universal adult franchise since its first elections, allowing all adults to vote regardless of class, education, or gender. The age to vote was reduced from 21 to 18 years in 1989.
Right to Contest: Any citizen can contest elections, provided they meet minimum age criteria and other basic qualifications. However, there are legal disqualifications such as imprisonment for two years or more.
Independent Election Commission
The Constitution provides for an independent Election Commission to ensure elections are impartial. The Election Commission of India supervises national and state elections, while State Election Commissions handle local body elections.
Functions: The Election Commission supervises the preparation of voters’ lists, the election schedule, and ensures the implementation of a Model Code of Conduct for candidates and parties. It has the authority to postpone or cancel elections if conditions are deemed unfair.
Multi-Member Commission: Initially, the Election Commission was a single-member body, but since 1993, it has been a multi-member body to ensure greater accountability. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) does not have more powers than the other Election Commissioners, ensuring collective decision-making.
Important Note The multi-member Election Commission helps share power and provides checks within the system. Though the CEC presides, all decisions are made collectively.
Electoral Reforms
Despite the success of India’s election system, there are calls for electoral reforms to make elections more inclusive and transparent. Some proposed reforms include:
Switch to PR System: Moving from FPTP to Proportional Representation could ensure a more equitable distribution of seats, but it could destabilize parliamentary majorities.
Women’s Reservation: There is a demand for at least one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
Control of Election Expenses: Election expenses should be monitored strictly to limit the role of money power.
Criminal Candidates: There should be a ban on candidates with criminal charges from contesting elections, even if their cases are pending in court.
Multiple Choice Question
Question What system does India primarily follow for its parliamentary elections? Options a. Proportional Representation b. First Past the Post c. Single Transferable Vote Answer: b. First Past the Post