Elections

India is a democratic country which has a well defined electoral system.  The parliamentary system holds elections which gives opportunity to citizens in the country to choose their representatives and thus contribute in the composition of the government.

Elections are regularly conducted in a fair and free manner as per the guidance of the constitutional provisions along with the laws made by Parliament. The major laws are Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951. These laws deal with the preparation, revision of electoral rolls, all aspects of conduct of elections and post election disputes. The Supreme Court of India has formed Election Commission to deal with a situation on which the enacted laws remain silent.

Election Commission

Election commission is an independent constitutional authority of India formed in 1950. The body guides and control preparation of electoral rolls for elections to Parliament and State Legislatures, for the offices of the President and the Vice-President of India.

Only Chief Election Commissioner can remove Election Commissioners from office. The Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners is appointed for six years from the date he/she assumes office or till the day he/she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Candidates

Any Indian citizen who is registered as a voter and is over 25 years of age is allowed to contest elections to the Lok Sabha where as it is mandatory that he should attain age of 30 years for contesting in Rajya Sabha elections.

All the 5,435 candidates for 543 Lok Sabha seats and 4,504 candidates for 697 seats in State Legislative Assemblies the candidates were required to declare their assets and liabilities, educational qualifications, Government dues and criminal cases pending against them, if any.

The conditions that a candidate has to fulfill for fighting election are-

In general the candidate should deposit Rs. 10,000/- for standing Lok Sabha election and 5,000/- for Rajya Sabha or Vidhan Sabha elections as earnest money. This deposit is refundable only if the candidate gets more than one-sixth of the total number of votes casted in the constituency.
At least one registered elector of the constituency must support the Nomination of a party sponsored candidate.

Electors’ Photo Identity Card (EPIC)

Electors’ photo Identity Card is being issued by Election Commission of India to improve the accuracy of the electoral roll and prevent electoral fraud. The photo identity cards are not only made mandatory for all voters of the country from Aug, 1993 but also it is seen as strong identity proof. Till today almost 450 million Identity cards has been circulated.

Why and who can vote?

India is the largest democracy in the world. Every citizen of India enjoys the right to vote. Thus the ultimate power lies with the people of India; they can craft country in good shape by electing the right representative who is capable of take decisions for the growth and welfare of all the citizens.

Any Indian who has attained the minimum age of 18 years on 1st January of the year can register himself or herself as a voter. Mentally challenged persons and the persons on whom Criminal Charges, ‘Corrupt Practices’ or offences relating to elections are registered cannot vote.

Voting

Voting is done by secret ballot still at some places whereas by Electronic Voting Machines at others. To maximize the participation of voters polling stations are set up in public institutions within 2km of every voter.

Ballot Papers

The paper on which the name of the candidates and their party symbol or symbol allotted to each of the candidate is printed is called Ballot paper.  These ballot papers are used for casting vote in elections.

Electronic Voting Machine

With the advancement of technology voting also went on electronic path. Since 1998, the Commission has directed the use of Electronic Voting Machines instead of ballot boxes keeping in view to minimize the use of paper. The Commission introduced EVM's in 16 Assembly Constituencies during State Legislative Assembly Elections in November 1998 on an experimental basis.

EVMs are more user-friendly. Even illiterates can use (operate) them easily. Electricity too is not a problem as they use alkaline battery.

Procedure

• Inside the voting compartment lies the EVM with candidate’s name and symbols. Press the blue button against the name of the candidate for whom you want to give your vote to on the Balloting Unit.
• On pressing the button the red lamp will glow next to the Name and symbol of that candidate and a beep sound is heard which indicates that the vote has been recorded.

More information on Elections in India