Explain the Indian Election System
Ans. - Representative democracy has been adopted in India, in which the process of election continues for various posts at different levels from time to time. The framers of the constitution have arranged for the formation of an independent and impartial Election Commission to complete this process.
Adult suffrage has been adopted in India to participate in elections, that is, every adult person will have the right to vote in elections, irrespective of caste, religion, language level and gender. Nowadays in India a person of 18 years is considered as an adult. Another feature of the Indian electoral system is that constituencies are created on regional basis, that is, the whole country is divided into certain constituencies. In this constituency, each person exercises his vote on the basis of his wish and choice. Provided that a person elected from a certain area represents every member living in that area whether he has voted for him or not. Thus it is a joint constituency. The decision in the election is taken by the majority only. That is, the candidate who gets more votes than other candidates in the election is declared victorious. F.P.D. Po. (First Past the Post) system is called. Although for some posts like President, Vice-President, the single transferable vote system of proportional vote system is used in the election of members of the Rajya Sabha.
Keeping in mind the historical background of the Indian society, the framers of the Constitution have made arrangements for reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in some seats in the Parliament and the State Legislative Assemblies, so that the participation of these classes can be ensured. The peace and fairness with which 14 Lok Sabha elections were held since 1952 till today has increased the credibility of the Indian election system and the Election Commission in the country and abroad. Although some improvements are definitely needed.
