Chapter 7: Elections – Class 9 NCERT BOOK
Class 9 Social Science
Chapter 7: Elections –
1. Why Do Elections Matter?
Meaning of Election:-An election is the process through which citizens exercise their right to vote and fulfil their responsibility by choosing their representatives.
Why are Elections Essential?:- Elections are the foundation of democracy because they:
- Allow citizens to choose their representatives.
- Make the government accountable to the people.
- Give legitimacy to the government.
- Ensure equal participation of citizens.
- Provide representation to different sections of society.
- Give people an opportunity to replace a non-performing government through periodic elections.
2. Importance of Elections
(A) Accountability
- Representatives remain answerable to the people.
- Citizens can remove non-performing representatives in the next election.
(B) Representation
- People elect leaders who represent their interests.
- Different regions and communities get representation.
(C) Equality
- Every eligible voter has one vote.
- Every vote has equal value.
(D) Legitimacy:- A government elected by the people receives democratic legitimacy.
3. Direct Elections:-Direct Elections: Elections in which citizens vote directly to choose their representatives or leaders. Examples
- Lok Sabha
- Vidhan Sabha
- Panchayats
- Municipal Corporations
These elections are generally held every five years.
4. Indirect Elections:- Indirect Elections: Elections in which citizens elect representatives, who then elect the leaders. Examples
- President of India
- Vice-President
- Rajya Sabha Members
Direct vs Indirect Elections
Direct Election Indirect Election
- Citizens vote directly. Representatives vote.
- Faster public participation. Public elects an electoral body first.
- Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha
5. Psephology:-Psephology is the scientific study of elections.
Derived from the Greek word Psēphos meaning pebble (used for voting in ancient Greece).
6. Electoral System:- An electoral system is the method used to convert votes into seats in a legislature.
India mainly uses:
- First-Past-The-Post (FPTP)
- Proportional Representation (PR)
7. First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) System:- The candidate who receives the highest number of votes wins, even if they do not secure more than 50% of the total votes. Used For
- Lok Sabha
- Vidhan Sabha
Features
- One constituency elects one representative.
- Candidate with the most votes wins.
- Simple and easy to understand.
- Most commonly used in India.
8. Majority System:- A candidate must receive more than 50% of the votes to win.
- If no candidate gets a majority:
- A second round is held between the top two candidates.
9. Proportional Representation (PR):- Seats are allotted to political parties in proportion to the votes they receive.
Features
- Voters usually vote for a political party.
- Seat share reflects vote share.
- Power is shared proportionately.
Used For
- Rajya Sabha
- President
- Vice-President
- Vidhan Parishad
10. Single Transferable Vote (STV):- A system of Proportional Representation where voters rank candidates according to preference. Votes are transferred based on preferences until the required number of candidates is elected.
Steps
- Voters mark preferences.
- First-preference votes are counted.
- Candidates reaching the required quota are elected.
- Lowest-ranked candidates are eliminated and their votes are transferred according to next preferences.
- The process continues until all seats are filled.
11. Vidhan Sabha:- The Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) is the Lower House of the State Legislature.
Features
- Members are directly elected.
- Makes laws for the State.
- Uses the FPTP electoral system.
12. Vidhan Parishad:- The Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) is the Upper House in some States.
Features
- Exists only in certain States.
- Members are elected indirectly by different groups and some are nominated by the Governor.
- Elections use the Single Transferable Vote system.
13. Laws Governing Elections in India:-Free and fair elections are conducted according to important laws passed by Parliament.
Major Election Laws
(A) Representation of the People Act, 1950:- This Act mainly deals with:
- Allocation of seats
- Delimitation of constituencies
- Preparation of electoral rolls
- Revision of electoral rolls
- Voting rights of every Indian citizen aged 18 years or above without discrimination.
(B) Representation of the People Act, 1951:- This Act deals with:
- Nomination of candidates
- Election campaigns
- Voting procedures
- Counting of votes
- Election disputes
- Electoral offences and corrupt practices
It helps ensure integrity, transparency, and accountability in elections.
(C) Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 :-This law governs the election process for the:
- President of India
- Vice-President of India
- Quick Revision Table
- Act Main Purpose
- RPA, 1950 Electoral rolls, seat allocation, delimitation, voting rights
- RPA, 1951 Conduct of elections, nominations, campaigns, disputes, electoral offences
- Presidential & Vice-Presidential Elections Act, 1952 Election of President and Vice-President
14. Electoral Offences and Corrupt Practices:- The Representation of the People Act, 1951 declares certain activities as illegal during elections. Examples
1. Bribery:- Giving gifts, money, offers, or promises to influence voters or candidates.
2. Appeal on Religion or Caste:- Seeking votes based on:- Religion, Caste, Race,Community,Language
3. Misuse of Government Officials:- Candidates cannot take help from government personnel such as:
- Gazetted officers
- Judges
- Magistrates
- Armed forces personnel
- Police personnel
- Excise officers
These practices are prohibited to maintain free and fair elections.
15. Delimitation Commission:-Delimitation is the process of determining the number of seats and fixing the territorial boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies so that representation remains as equal as possible according to population.
Need for Delimitation:- Population changes over time.
Without delimitation:
- One MP may represent 5 lakh people.
- Another MP may represent 25 lakh people.
- This would violate the principle of equal representation.
Objective
- Equal representation
- Fair distribution of seats
- Balanced constituencies
- Constitutional Provision
Article 82 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of a Delimitation Commission after the Census, as provided by law.
Delimitation Commissions in India:- Year:- 1952, 1963, 1973, 2002
16. Why Delimitation is Important:- Delimitation helps to:
- Maintain equality among constituencies.
- Ensure fair political representation.
- Adjust constituencies according to population changes.
- Strengthen democracy.
17. Integrity, Transparency and Accountability
- Integrity:- The election process should be honest and free from corruption.
- Transparency:- Election procedures should be open and fair.
- Accountability:- Election authorities and representatives must remain answerable for their actions. These principles are protected by the election laws.
18. Election Commission of India (ECI):- The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an autonomous, permanent constitutional body responsible for conducting free, fair, and transparent elections in India.
Establishment
- Established on: 25 January 1950
- Constitutional provisions: Articles 324–329
- These Articles define the powers, functions, and responsibilities of the ECI.
- Elections Conducted by the ECI
The ECI conducts elections for:
- Lok Sabha
- Rajya Sabha
- Vidhan Sabha
- Vidhan Parishad
- President of India
- Vice-President of India
19. Election Machinery at the State Level:- Election work in each State is supervised by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), who is appointed by the ECI in consultation with the State Government.
Other officers involved include:
- District Election Officer (DEO)
- Returning Officer (RO)
- Electoral Registration Officer (ERO)
- District Magistrate (DM)
- Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM)
- Tahsildar (on election duty)
20. Functions of the Election Commission of India
(A) Preparation of Electoral Rolls
- Collects details of eligible voters.
- Prepares constituency-wise electoral rolls.
- Ensures only eligible citizens are included.
- Allows only voters whose names appear in the electoral roll to vote.
(B) Special Intensive Revision (SIR):- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is the process of updating, verifying, and correcting electoral rolls to ensure that all eligible voters are included and ineligible names are removed.
Objectives
- Add new voters (especially those who turn 18 years old).
- Remove names of deceased voters.
- Remove duplicate entries.
- Delete names of permanently untraceable voters.
- Correct mistakes in the electoral roll.
- Resolve claims and objections before publishing the final list.
(C) Deciding the Election Schedule:-The ECI announces election dates after considering:
- Weather conditions
- Agricultural season
- School and university examinations
- Festivals
- End of the Legislature's term or early dissolution
(D) Registration of Political Parties
- Registers political parties.
- Allows registered parties to contest elections.
Classifies parties as:
- National Parties
- State/Regional Parties
- Registered-Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs)
- Ensures internal organisational elections in political parties.
- Allots election symbols.
- Resolves disputes related to party recognition and election symbols.
(E) Conducting Free and Fair Elections
- Free & Fair
- Transparent
- Inclusive
- Impartial
- Trustworthy
It works to increase public confidence in the electoral process.
21. Inclusive Elections:- The ECI has introduced several measures to ensure "No Voter to Be Left Behind."
Special facilities are provided for:
- Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
- Senior Citizens
- Transgender persons
- Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
For the 2024 General Elections, home voting was extended across India for:
- Senior citizens above 85 years
- Persons with benchmark disabilities (40% or more)
22. Digital Initiatives of the ECI
(A) ETPBS:-Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System
Used by Service Voters.:- Enables them to receive and cast postal ballots electronically from outside their constituency.
(B) Voter Helpline App:- Provides services such as:
- Voter registration
- Verification
- Electoral information
- Election updates
(C) cVIGIL App:- Allows citizens to:
- Report violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
- Report election misconduct with location details for quick action.
(D) ERONET:- Used for:
- Online processing of electoral forms.
- Efficient management of electoral roll databases.
(E) Sugam:-A web-based application used for:- Managing vehicles required for election duties.
(F) Suvidha:-Provides facilities for candidates and political parties:
- Nomination forms
- Permission for rallies and meetings
- Vehicle and loudspeaker permissions
- Real-time permission status
(G) Saksham App:- Designed especially for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).Features include:
- Voter registration
- Polling station information
- Accessible election services
23. Political Parties:-A Political Party is an organised group of people who share similar ideas and policies and contest elections to form the government. Political parties are essential for the smooth functioning of democracy.
24. Importance of Political Parties:-Political parties play a vital role in democracy by:
- Offering voters meaningful choices.
- Organising public opinion.
- Campaigning on important issues.
- Helping citizens make informed decisions.
- Working at the grassroots level.
- Ensuring effective governance and accountability.
25. Functions of Political Parties
- Contest elections.
- Prepare election manifestos.
- Conduct election campaigns.
- Form the government after winning elections.
- Form the opposition if they do not win.
- Formulate and implement policies.
- Participate in debates and committees.
- Ensure accountability of the government.
26. Multi-Party System:-A Multi-Party System is a political system in which many political parties exist and compete in elections.
India follows a multi-party system, reflecting its diversity of languages, cultures, religions, and regions.
27. Defection:-Defection means leaving or switching the political party on whose ticket a candidate was elected. It may involve joining another party or acting independently against the party's decisions in the legislature.
28. Anti-Defection Law:-The Anti-Defection Law was introduced to prevent elected representatives from changing political parties after being elected.
Important Facts
- Passed in 1985
- Through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act
- A member may be disqualified if:
- They voluntarily give up party membership.
- They vote against the party's instructions (whip).
Who Decides Disqualification?:- The decision is taken by:
- Speaker of the Legislative Assembly or Lok Sabha.
- Chairman of the Rajya Sabha or Legislative Council, as applicable.
29. Recognition of Political Parties:- The Election Commission of India (ECI) recognises political parties based on prescribed criteria. There are three categories:
- National Party
- State Party
- Registered-Unrecognised Political Party (RUPP)
30. National Party:- A political party is recognised as a National Party if it fulfils any one of the prescribed conditions.
Main Conditions
- Secures at least 6% of valid votes in four or more States in a General Election and wins four Lok Sabha seats.
- Wins at least 2% of Lok Sabha seats, with members elected from at least three States.
- Is recognised as a State Party in at least four States.
31. State Party:-A political party is recognised as a State Party if it satisfies any one of the prescribed conditions in a State. Some important conditions include:
- Secures 6% valid votes in the State Assembly election and wins at least two Assembly seats.
- Secures 6% valid votes in the Lok Sabha election from the State and wins at least one Lok Sabha seat from that State.
- Wins 3% of Assembly seats or at least three seats, whichever is higher.
- Wins one Lok Sabha seat for every 25 seats allotted to the State (or fraction thereof).
- Secures 8% of valid votes in a General Election to the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly in that State.
32. Registered-Unrecognised Political Party (RUPP):- A Registered-Unrecognised Political Party (RUPP) is a party that:
Has not secured the required percentage of votes to become a recognised State or National Party, or
Has never contested elections since its registration.
33. Political Alliances:-Political alliances became significant after 1967, and at the national level the Janata Party formed the first coalition government in 1977. It also mentions later alliances such as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the United Progressive Alliance (UPA), with the UPA later reconstituted as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance.
34. Challenges to Free and Fair Elections:-Conducting elections in India is a huge task because of its large population, geographical diversity, and socio-economic differences. The chapter highlights several challenges that can affect the fairness of elections.
Major Challenges
1. Misinformation:-False or misleading information can confuse voters and influence their decisions.
2. Fake News:- Fake news spreads incorrect information about political parties or candidates, affecting public opinion.
3. Intimidation:- Threats, pressure, or fear may prevent voters from voting freely.
The ECI addresses such challenges through election laws, the Model Code of Conduct, EVMs, VVPAT, voter awareness campaigns, and other measures.
35. Measures for Free and Fair Elections:- To ensure free and fair elections, the Election Commission of India:
- Enforces the Representation of the People Acts, 1950 & 1951.
- Implements the Model Code of Conduct.
- Uses Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
- Uses Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).
- Conducts voter awareness campaigns.
- Encourages active citizen participation
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