Electoral Politics — Expanded Study Guide (NCERT Civics, Chapter 3)
1) Why Do We Need Elections?
Haryana 1987: A Case Study
Background: Congress was in power since 1982. Devi Lal led an agitation, formed Lok Dal,
and promised loan waivers.
Result: Lok Dal won 60 of 90 seats; coalition won 76 total. Congress got only 5 seats. Loan
waivers implemented within 3 days.
Lesson: Elections allow peaceful transfer of power and accountability. In 1991, Congress
returned, showing voters can change rulers.
Functions of Elections
Choose representatives to make laws and policies.
Form governments based on majority.
Set direction of policies based on party manifestos.
Conditions for Democratic Elections
1. Universal Adult Franchise — One person, one vote, one value.
2. Free choice of candidates and parties.
3. Regular intervals for elections.
4. Preference of voters decides outcome.
5. Free and fair process.
Political Competition: Good or Bad?
Concerns: Factionalism, money influence, negative campaigning.
Necessity: Competition ensures accountability and responsiveness. Without it, rulers may
become dictatorial.
2) What Makes India’s Elections Work?
Constituencies
Lok Sabha: 543 constituencies, one MP each.
State Assemblies: Each state divided into Assembly constituencies.
Local bodies: Wards elect local representatives.
Reserved Constituencies
Reserved for SC (84) and ST (47) in Lok Sabha (as of Jan 2019).
Proportionate to their population.
One-third seats reserved for women in Panchayats and Municipalities; Women’s Reservation
Act 2023 extends this to Parliament and State Assemblies.
Voters’ List
Eligibility: Every citizen 18+.
Updated regularly to add new voters and remove deceased/moved ones.
EPIC: Election Photo Identity Card.
Nomination of Candidates
Minimum age 25.
Must submit nomination form, security deposit, and declare:
o Pending criminal cases.
o Assets and liabilities.
o Educational qualifications.
Should Education Be Mandatory for Candidates?
No. Representation is about understanding people’s needs, not just education. High
qualifications may exclude majority.
3) Election Campaigns
Purpose
Allow voters to compare candidates, parties, and policies.
Duration
Campaigning allowed for about two weeks before polling.
Famous Slogans
1971: Garibi Hatao — Congress (Indira Gandhi).
1977: Save Democracy — Janata Party.
1983: Protect Self-Respect of Telugus — TDP.
Model Code of Conduct (MCC)
No bribing, threats, caste/religion appeals.
No use of government resources for campaigns.
Spending limit: ₹25 lakh (Lok Sabha), ₹10 lakh (Assembly).
4) Polling & Counting
Polling Day
Voters go to polling booths, show identity, marked with indelible ink, cast vote using EVM.
NOTA option available.
Counting
EVMs sealed after polling.
Counting done in presence of party agents.
Candidate with highest votes wins (first-past-the-post system).
Example: Gulbarga 2014
Eligible voters: 17.21 lakh.
Votes polled: 9.98 lakh.
Winner: Mallikarjun Kharge (INC) — 5.07 lakh votes (~50.82%).
Cost of Elections
2014 Lok Sabha: ~₹3,500 crore by government; total including candidates/parties ₹30,000
crore (₹500 per voter).
5) How Free & Fair Are India’s Elections?
Election Commission (EC)
Independent authority like judiciary.
Headed by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) — hard to remove.
Powers include:
o Enforcing MCC.
o Transferring officials.
o Ordering repolls.
o Controlling election schedule.
Participation Trends
Turnout: Stable or rising.
Poor and marginalized vote more than wealthy in India.
High civic engagement compared to some Western nations.
Acceptance of Outcomes
Ruling parties often lose.
Nearly half sitting MPs/MLAs lose elections.
Money/criminal links don’t guarantee success.
Challenges
Money power — unfair advantage to wealthy.
Criminalization — candidates with criminal background.
Dynastic politics.
Limited choice — similar party agendas.
Disadvantage to smaller parties.
6) Key Terms
Constituency: Area represented by an elected official.
MCC: Rules for fair campaigning.
Rigging: Malpractice to manipulate votes.
Turnout: % of voters who actually vote.
Level Playing Field: Equal opportunities for all candidates.
7) Exam-Oriented Summary
Essential Points
Elections = accountability + peaceful power change.
Five pillars of democratic election: Universal franchise, free choice, regular intervals, real
reflection of people’s will, free & fair process.
Election cycle: Constituencies → Voter list → Nomination → Campaign → Polling → Counting
→ Results.
EC ensures fairness: MCC, repolls, control over officials.
Challenges: Money, crime, dynasties, limited choice.
Quick Questions
1. What was the promise behind Nyaya Yudh?
2. How are reserved constituencies decided?
3. What is NOTA?
4. Why is turnout a measure of participation?
5. Who appoints the CEC?
8) Final Revision Pointers
Haryana 1987 proves elections can change policies quickly.
Reserved seats give voice to underrepresented groups.
Voter list must be current to avoid bogus votes.
MCC rules protect fairness.
EVMs simplify polling and reduce rigging.
Challenges remain, but India’s elections are largely free and fair.
