Elections
ICSE Class 9 · History & Civics · Chapter 4
What this chapter covers
- Meaning of elections
- Why elections are important in a democracy
- The Election Commission of India: composition
- Independence of the Election Commission
- Functions of the Election Commission of India
- Direct election
- Indirect election
- Difference between direct and indirect election
- General election
- Mid-term election
- By-election
- Common errors and how to avoid them
Key points
- An election is the process by which voters choose their representatives for a fixed period; in India it is based on Universal Adult Franchise, with a voting age of 18 and a secret ballot.
- Elections give the government legitimacy, make it accountable, allow peaceful change, educate citizens and give a voice to weaker sections through reserved seats.
- The Election Commission of India, set up on 25 January 1950, conducts elections to Parliament, the State Legislatures and the offices of the President and the Vice-President.
- The Commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (two at present), appointed by the President for six years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
- The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only like a Judge of the Supreme Court, and his or her conditions of service cannot be changed to his or her disadvantage; these provisions keep the Commission independent.
- The Commission prepares electoral rolls, issues voter ID cards, fixes the election schedule, scrutinises nominations, recognises parties and allots symbols, enforces the Model Code of Conduct, controls expenses, orders re-polls and advises on disqualification of members.
- Panchayat and municipal elections are conducted by the State Election Commissions, not by the Election Commission of India.
- In a direct election the voters choose the representative themselves (Lok Sabha, Legislative Assemblies); in an indirect election an electoral college does so (President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha).
- A general election is held in all constituencies after a House completes its five-year term; a mid-term election is held in all constituencies after an early dissolution.
- A by-election fills a single vacant seat, normally within six months, and the person elected serves only the remainder of the term.
Questions answered
Define an election.
An election is the formal process by which the voters of a country, or of a part of it, choose their representatives to hold public office for a fixed period.
What is a constituency? How many constituencies elect members to the Lok Sabha?
A constituency is a territorial area whose voters together elect one representative to a legislature. The members of the Lok Sabha are elected from 543 constituencies.
Why is it necessary for elections to be free and fair?
Only a free and fair election, in which voters vote without fear or bribery and votes are counted honestly, reflects the true will of the people; otherwise the government it produces cannot claim the consent of the people.
Of whom does the Election Commission of India consist?
The Election Commission of India consists of a Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners as the President may fix; at present there are two Election Commissioners besides the Chief Election Commissioner.
Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner, and what is the term of office?
The President appoints the Chief Election Commissioner on the recommendation of a Selection Committee of the Prime Minister, a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The term is six years or until the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
How can the Chief Election Commissioner be removed from office? Why has this procedure been made difficult?
The Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only in the manner and on the grounds of a Judge of the Supreme Court, by a motion passed by a special majority in each House of Parliament on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity. The procedure has been made difficult so that the government cannot remove the Chief Election Commissioner for acting fairly against its wishes, which protects the independence of the Commission.
Name the officer who conducts the election in a constituency and state two of his or her duties.
The Returning Officer conducts the election in a constituency. He or she receives and scrutinises the nomination papers, and counts the votes and declares the result.
What is the Model Code of Conduct? Give one example of what it forbids.
The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission that parties, candidates and the government in power must follow from the announcement of an election until the results are declared. It forbids, for example, ministers from announcing new schemes or grants to win votes once the election has been announced.
Past board exam questions
ICSE 2019 sample paper · 1 mark
What is the term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner?
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Six years or till he/she attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
ICSE 2019 sample paper · 3 marks
Elections play a very significant role in our Indian Democracy. In the light of this statement, answer the following questions: State the composition of the Election Commission.
Show answer
The Election Commission of India consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and such number of other Election Commissioners as the President may fix (at present, two). They are appointed by the President, hold office for six years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier, and the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only like a Judge of the Supreme Court (by impeachment). The Commission is assisted by Regional Commissioners, if needed, and by the Chief Electoral Officers in the States.
ICSE 2019 sample paper · 3 marks
Elections play a very significant role in our Indian Democracy. In the light of this statement, answer the following questions: Under what circumstances can a ‘By-election’ be held?
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A By-election is held to fill a seat in the Lok Sabha or a State Legislative Assembly that falls vacant during the term of the House because the sitting member:
1. dies, or
2. resigns, or
3. is disqualified or his election is declared void by a court (or is expelled/ elected to two seats and vacates one).
Only the constituency concerned votes, and the member elected serves for the remaining term of the House.
ICSE 2019 sample paper · 4 marks
Elections play a very significant role in our Indian Democracy. In the light of this statement, answer the following questions: Explain the terms ‘General Election’ and ‘Mid- term Election’.
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General Election: elections held throughout the country (or a State) at the same time to elect members of the Lok Sabha (or the State Legislative Assembly) after the normal term of five years has expired.
Mid-term Election: an election held before the completion of the normal term of five years, when the Lok Sabha or a Legislative Assembly is dissolved earlier — e.g. when the government loses its majority and no alternative government can be formed.