DEMOCRACY ‘The concept of Democracy is traceable to the ancient Greeks and specifically the city-state of ‘Athens in the fifth century B.C. The word democracy is derived from the Greek words ‘demos’, meaning people, and ‘Kratos’ meaning power or rule. Directly translated, democracy therefore means ‘rule by the people’, although originally the Greeks used it to mean the poor or the masses. Periclean Athens, named after its most celebrated leader, has inspired genegations of later political theorists, statesmen, and common people alike, Yet many aspects of Athenian democracy appear strange and unfamiliar to modem eyes. The central political institption in ‘Athens during the sixth and fifth centuries B.C. was the Assembly, usually comy mom to 6,000 members and open to all adult citizens with the exception of women, slav; igners. By simple majority vote, the Assembly could decide on virtually any domesiig'gsbe, Without any legal restrictions. Most remarkable, perhaps, was the fact that the I e Athenian ‘Assembly were not elected, but chosen by lot, as the Athenians beli fany citizen was capable of holding public office. ‘* The problem with democraey-has been its very popularity, apomil Bat has threatened the term's undoing as a meaningful political concept. In being almosthiversally regarded as a ‘good thing’, democracy has come to be used as a little “iore'{in a ‘hurray! word’, implying approval of a particular set of ideas or system or rule, In,thg ‘words of Bemard Crick (1993), “democracy is perhaps the most promiscuous word‘in the world of public affairs'2. A term that can mean anything to anyone is in danger of meaning nothing atall.. Abhram Lincon‘s famous definition of —Democracy is government of the people, by the people and for the people. Sad Very broadly, democracy may mean nebihtine 1. The system of rule by the poor an jsadVantaged. 2. A form of government in whith the people rule themselves directly and without the need for profesional politicians or ppbig ‘officials. 3. A society based on equal opportuhity and individual merit rather than hierarchy and privileges. 4. A system of [Link] See uion aimed at narrow social inequalities. 5. A system of decision, taking ‘based on the Principe of majority rule 6. A system of nule,that Secures the right and interests of minorities by placing checks upon the power of the majority, 7. A means of filling public offices through a competitive struggle for the popular vote. BA system gcyemment that serves the interest of people regardless of their participation in politic eS xe Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page 1Classification of Democracy Democracy is broadly classified as: _ Direct Democracy and ~ Representative Democracy Direct Democracy is also called as|paHticipatory demeraey this was the first ever model of democracy introduced in the Greek city state of Athens in 3rd century BC. In this form of democracy, citizens participated in the affairs of the state directly and had a gay in the governance of the city state. Every citizen had a political right in theism state. ¢woimen “and slaves were not allowed to participate) Direct democracy thus obliterates the dstinelii petween government and the governed and between the state and civil society. Features of Direct Democracy It heightens the control that citizens can exercise over their own, sists tsi the only pure form of government. It creates a better informed and nora Sophisticated citizens. It enables the public to express their own views and interests without ig to rely in self-serving politicians, ee Sa ia Representative Democracy a @ tis also called limited ris decry papéaning of representative democracy as understood by many is periodic voting after &stiptldie® time (in case of India itis every five years). However the larger meaning of democracy fyll participation in the day to day affairs of governance. The process of election is oe” to establish a link between the government and the governed, Features of representative denrocrdc! Itis a practicable form of demograty ‘It relieves ordinary citizens the burden of decision making thus possible a division oPtaBdur'in*politics. It allows govemed to be placed in the hands of those with better education jowledge and greater experience. a O° “agit, * PRINCIPLES OF DEMOCRACY ° 1. izén Participation Cy Son basic signposts of a democracy is citizen participation in government. Participation is the key role, of citizens in democracy. lt is not only their right, but itis their duty. Citizen participation may {take many forms including standing for election, voting in elections, becoming informed, debating issues, attending community or civic meetings, being members of private voluntary organizations, paying taxes, and even protesting, Participation builds a better democracy. 2. Equality Democratic societies emphasize the principle that all people are equal. Equality means that all individuals are valued equally, have equal opportunities, and may not be discriminated against because of their race, Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page 2religion, ethnic group, gender or sexual orientation. In a democracy, individuals and groups still maintain their right to have different cultures, personalities, languages and beliefs. 3. Political Tolerance Democratic societies are politically tolerant. This means that while the majority of the people rule in @ democracy, the rights ofthe minority must be protected. People who are not in power must be allowed to organize and speak out. Minorities are sometimes referred to as the opposition because they may have ideas which are different from the majority. Individual citizens must also lear to be tolerant of each other. A democratic society is often composed of people from different cultures, racial, religious and ethnic groups who have viewpoints different from the majority ofthe population. A democyatic Sqcitty is enriched by diversity. If the majority deny rights to and destroy their opposition, then destroy democracy. One goal of democracy is to make the best possible decision for the soci ieve this, respect for all people and their points of view is needed. Decisions are more likels even by those who oppose them, if all citizens have been allowed to discuss debate and fe 4. Accountability reeIn a democracy, elected and appointed officials have to be ‘the people. They 3 respoasible for their actions. Officials must make decisions and, th according to the will and wishes of the people, not for themselves. ont 5. Transparency ee” For government to be accountable the people must bg of whiat is happening in the country. This is referred to as transparency in government. A transfiarent t holds public meetings and allows citizens to attend, In a democracy, the press and thpgpple are able to get information about what decisions are being made, by whom and why. 6. Regular, Free and Fair E One way citizens of the country ey government. Democracy insists that these elégted officials are chosen and peacefully removed from office in a free and fair manner. Intimidafién, veoftuption and threats to citizens during or before an election are against the principles of d na democracy, elections are held regularly every so many years Participation in electiogs**pould ngb be based on a citizen's wealth. For free and fair elections to occur, most adult citizens sho "the right to stand for government office. Additionally, obstacles should not exist which méke'it diffi for people to vote. 7. Economie Freedom People in a segonges ‘must have some form of economic freedom. This means that the government allows soui'Pqvate ownership of property and businesses, and that the people are allowed to choose their ov woke bor unions. The role the government should play in the economy is open to debate, but it is gengiall accepted that free markets should exist in a democracy and the state should not totaly control the ecbomy. Some argue that the state should play a stronger role in countries where great inequality of ‘wealth exits due to past discrimination or other unfair practices. 8. Control of the Abuse of Power Democratic societies try to prevent any elected official or group of people from misusing or abusing their power, One of the most common abuses of power is corruption. Corruption occurs when government officials use public funds for their own benefit or exercise power in an illegal manner. Various methods have been used in different countries to protect against these abuses. Frequently the government is Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page3structured to limit the powers of the branches of government: to have independent courts and agencies with power fo act against any illegal action by an elected official or branch of government; to allow for citizen participation and elections; and to check for police abuse of power. 9. Billof Rights ‘Many democratic countries also choose to have a bill of rights to protect people against abuse of power. A Dill of rights is a list of rights and freedoms guaranteed to all people in the country. When a bill of rights becomes part of a country’s constitution, the courts have the power to enforce these rights. A bill of rights limits the power of government and may also impose duties on individuals and organizatns, 10. Accepting the Results of Elections In democratic elections, there are winners and losers. Often the losers in an election that their party or candidate is the best one that they refuse to accept the results of the against democratic principles. The consequences of not accepting the result government that is ineffective and cannot make decisions. It may even Nes against democracy. 11. HumanRights = All democracies strive to respect and protect the human ri te Roe Human rights mean those values that reflect respect for human life and human dignityo! ‘< fac emphasizes the value of every ‘human being. Examples of human rights include freedom oPexprestion, freedom of association, freedom of assembly, the right to equality and the right to education? Cy 12. Multi-Party System Jin order to have a multi-party system, more than one politial party must participate in elections and play a role in government. A multi-party sae for ey, tin to the party, which wins the election. é jce which is also ‘This helps provide the government with ints on issues. Additionally, a multiparty system provides voters with a choice of candid; ies and policies to vote for. Historically, when a country only has one party, the result Rv achat 13. The Rule of Lay Jn a democracy no one is OS law, not even a king or an elected President. This is called the rule of law. It means that must abey the law and be held accountable if they violate it. Democracy also insists that the law,be eqiall)) Tairly and consistently enforced. This is sometimes referred to as "due process of law.’ 2,8 Referenced * a Gorender, O,Brien & larkin. Democracy for All, Publication: Publisher: Juta & Co Ltd Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page 4DIMENSIONS OF DEMOCRACY ‘* Social Democracy * Economie © Political Definition a democratic welfare state that incorporates both capitalist and socialist me ‘Meaning: Social Democracy is a political, social and economic ideology that "economic and social interventions to promote social justice within the framework of, ist economy, as well as a policy regime involving a commitment to representative > measures for income redistribution, and regulation of the economy in the general inte welfare state provisions. Social democracy thus aims to create the conditions {ea to lead to greater democratic, egalitarian and solidaristic outcomes; and is fated with the set of socioeconomic policies that became prominent in Ne mae Europe. In India Dr. B.R Ambedkar the Chairman of the Drafting on eS ‘Committee of the Constitution strongly advocated for Socitl, Deriiocracy. . Core values of Social Democracy are as follogé 3S" I, Freedom, Equality and Fraternity: This was the battle-cry of the French Revolution; and these broadly remain the core values of democratic patties today. The formulation of core values began in the nineteenth century with ee the bourgeoisie and they began to conquer the world at the latest in the mid-twentis — they came to be the standard by which states and societies were judged. * 2. This is also reflected it 1 folindations of the Us With the UN's two HumartfRights Covenants of 1966 the fundamental civic, political, economic, social and cultural rights attained the apex of their legitimacy and have been ratified by almost every country in Sy Fundamental rightare claims. Tag” Id They constitute something like a global legal foundation. josed to ensure the transposition of core values into formal legal 3, Fundaméhtal Rights: These are the rights enshrined in the constitutions of democratic countries XTies® are claims that individuals have in a state. In India, Fundamental Rigts are rigs i®’Plrt III of the constitution. If the fundamental rights are abridged by any individual or tegtat® any citizen can move the Supreme Court or the High courts. BOX 2: Six Fundamental Rights: Right to equality Right to freedom. Right against exploitation Right to freedom of religion Educational and cultural right Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page 5Right to constitutional remedies Economic democracy or stakeholder democracy is a socioeconomic philosophy that proposes to shift decision-making power from corporate managers and corporate shareholders to a larger group of public stakeholders that includes workers, customers, suppliers, neighbours and the broader public. No single definition or approach encompasses economic democracy, but most proponents claim that modern property relations extemnalize costs, subordinate the general well- being to private profit, and deny the polity a democratic voice in economic policy decisions. In addition to these moral concems, economic democracy makes practical claims, such asithat it can compensate for capitalism's inherent effective demand gap. oO el Political Democraey is a means for the people to choose their leaders and their leaders accountable for their policies and their conduct in office. The people decj ll represent them in parliament, and who will head the government at the national levels. They do 80 by choosing between competing parties in regular, free iis ions. Government is fe thay based on the consent of the governed. In a democracy, the fereign—they are the highest form of political authority. Power flows from the pale leaders of government, who hold power only temporarily. Political Democracy is‘a:mnéais for the people to choose their leaders and to hold their leaders accountable for their, foli¢ies:nd their conduct in office. The people decide who will represent them in parliament, and Who will head the government at the national and local levels. They do so by choosiag bee eéinpting parties in regular, free and fair elections. Government is based on the consent of the governed. In a democracy, the people are sovereign—they are the highest form of politicalyguithority. Power flows from the people to the leaders of governivent, who hold We temporarily. SQ. + Beee tralisation Decentralisation can be stood as a political process whereby administrative authority, public resources’ sibilities are transferred from central government agencies to lower-level Some or to non-governmental bodies, such as community-based organisations (CBOs)"\fhitd*party* non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or private sector actors In 1993, tH®\Govérmnent of India passed a series of constitutional reforms, which were intended to empolvétand democratise India's rural representative bodies ~ the Panchayats. The 73rd Amendment to the Constitution formally recognised a third tier of government at the sub- State lev hey ‘creating the legal conditions for local self-rule — or Panchayati Raj. Since this i ‘of decentralisation has been highly variable, ranging from ambitious attempts at (or village self-rule). Box 3*Political, administrative and fiscal decentralisation. Political decentralisation transfers policy and legislative powers from central government to autonomous, lower-level assemblies and local councils that have been democratically elected by their constituencies. Administrative decentralisation places planning and implementation responsibility in the hands of locally situated civil servants and these local civil servants are under the jurisdiction of elected local govemments, Fiscal decentralisation accords substantial revenue and expenditure authority to intermediate and local governments. Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page 6Souree: World Bank Defining features of Decentralisation: “popular control of policy makers, both by regular elections and by the pressure of social interest groups; «the institutionalisation of all adult citizens in voting (i.e. one person, one vote); ~ political freedom in the eyes of the state; ~ policy decisions made on the basis of majority rule ‘What makes local institutions accountable? In this section, we consider three broad conditions under which local institut more accountable to poor and politically marginal groups: _ an active citizenry, whose participation in broad areas of politi campaigning, attending meetings, running for office, lobbying, rEehtatives, etc., counter balance the arbitrary use of power; SS Noe ends ~_ fiscal and political support from higher level authorities ‘at least in part on the ability to support the needs. of the,pogr ‘ ~ the existence of competitive political parties whose legit Fundamental Rights [Link],Indian Constitution 5 RIGHT TO EQUALITY ‘end Right to equality tries to do away wit $3 ps other discriminations. It provides for equal access to public places like shops, hgfelshlates of entertainment, wells, bathing ghats and places of worship. There cannot be, any djseriination inthis acess on the grounds only of religion, race, casle, sex, or place aa ‘also prohibits any discrimination in public employment on any of the above menti ais. ‘This right is very important because our society did not practice equal acc thesfast. The practice of untouchability is one of the crudest manifestations opines This has been abolished under the right to equality. The same right also provides that the. state shall confer no ttle on a person except those who excel themselves in military or gcademid, field, Thus right to equality strives to make India a true democracy by ensuring gatgofeuslity of dignity and status among all its citizens. ifficPopbortunity means that all sections ofthe society enjoy equal opportunities. But in a soclét} wiltre there are various kinds of social inequalities, what does equal opportunity mean? ‘The Céhstitution clarifies that the government can implement special schemes and measures for improving the conditions of certain sections of society: children, women, and the socially and educationally backward classes. You may have heard about ‘reservations’ in jobs, and in admissions. You would have wondered why there are reservations if we follow the principle of equality, Infact Article 16(4) of the constitution explicitly clarifies that a policy like reservation Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramat Page 7will not be seen as a violation of right to equality. If you see the spirit of the Constitution, this is required for the fulfilment of the right to equality of opportunity. RIGHT TO FREEDOM Equality and freedom or liberty, are the two rights that are most essential to a democracy. It is not possible to think of the one without thinking of the other. Liberty means freedom of thought, expression and action. However it does not mean freedom to do anything that one desires or likes. If that were to be permitted then a large number of people will not be able tg éhjoy’their freedom. Therefore, freedoms are defined in such a manner that every person, will: epjoy her freedom without threatening freedom of others and without endangering ee order situation. OD Right to life and personal liberty SN. * Preventive detention o> © right to freedom of speech \ ne RIGHT AGAINST EXPLOITATION Se In our country there are millions of people who aré inderprivileged and deprived. They may be subjected to exploitation by their fellow humaf beitigs."One such form of exploitation in our country has been begar or forced labour withdut payment. Another closely related form of exploitation is buying and selling of ings and using them as slaves. Both of these are prohibited under the Constitution. Fores fafoyr was imposed by landlords, moneylenders and other wealthy persons in the pag. Somjefgfm of bonded labour still continues in the country, specially in brick kiln work. I has npWw Been declared a crime and itis punishable. RIGHT TO FREEDOM OPREEIGION According to our CefsaionrEveryone enjoys the right to follow the religion of his or her choice. This fregdom is*egisidered as a hallmark of democracy. Historically, there were rulers and emperors indifferent parts of the world who did not allow residents of their countries to enjoy the right to freedom of religion. Persons following a religion different from that of the ruler were,either persecuted or forced to convert to the official religion of the rulers, Therefore, — ways incorporated the freedom to follow the religion of one’s choice as one of Mee ciples. Freedom of faith and worship In India, everyone is free to choose a religion that religion. Freedom of religion also includes the freedom of conscience. This means that a person may choose any religion or may choose not to follow any religion. Freedom of religion’ includes the freedom to profess, follow and propagate any religion. Freedom of religion is subject to certain limitations, The govemment can impose restrictions on the practice of freedom of religion in order to protect public order, morality and health. This means that the freedom of religion is not an unlimited right. The government can interfere in religious matters for rooting out certain social evils. For example in the past, the government has taken steps Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Bararnati Page 8banning practices like sati, bigamy or human sacrifice. Such restrictions cannot be opposed in the name of interference in right to freedom of religion. The limitations on the right to freedom of religion always produce tensions between followers of various religions and the government. When the government secks to restrict some activities of any religious group, people of that religion feel that this is interference in their religion. CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS 2 ‘When we talk of the Indian society, the image of diversity comes before our minds. Iridia is not made up of a monolithic society. We are a society that has vast diversity. In such ci Beep tat is full of diversity, there would be social sections which are smail in numbers x vio some other groups. If a group is in minority, will it have to adopt the culture jority? Our Constitution believes that diversity is our strength. Therefore, one of th fental rights is the right of the minorities to maintain their culture. eS RIGHT TO CONSTITUTIONAL REMEDIES S, ‘One would agree that our Constitution contains a very iffipressive list of Fundamental Rights. But merely writing down a list of rights is not enough. There has'to be a way through which they could be realised in practice and defended against ‘any attack on these rights. Right to constitutional remedies is the means throughywhith jthjs"is to be achieved. Dr. Ambedkar considered the right to constitutional remedies @s ‘heart and soul of the constitution’. It is so because this right gives a citizen the right to apprdach’a High Court or the Supreme Court to get any of the fundamental rights restored, in @ase of their violation. The Supreme Court and the High Courts can issue orders and give we the government for the enforcement of rights. * %, ee a Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page9OUTCOMES OF DEMOCRACY Merits of democracy © Promotes equality among citizens; + Enhances the dignity of the individual; * Improves the quality of decision making; * Provides a method to resolve conflicts; and * Allows room to correct mistakes Common practices in democratic countries © Formal constitutions * They hold elections * They have parties © They guarantee rights of citizens ; While these features are common to most of them, these di are very much different from each other in terms of their social situations, their etdnomic achievements and their cultures. Democracy is to recognize that democracy is just a'form of government, It can only create conditions for achieving something. The citizens Bave to take advantage of those conditions and achieve those goals on A. Political Outcome - Accountable, responsive’and,égitimate government — 1. Accountable — Taped tem S@, © Non-democratic sovemments Gag thick decisions as compared to democratic governments. of * Butas due to deliberations ’nd\negotiations, the decisions of democratic government are acceptable to Sian % * Democratic goyernni8ift'follows rules and procedures People have th igs ahd means to examine the process of decision making, as it is ‘transparent., It Yevélops mechanisms for citizens to take part in decision making whenever they think fit. Mechanism ° * To measure, democracies on the basis of this expected outcome~ regular free and fair Ne Public debate on major policies and legislation, citizens’ right to information oy ithe government Actual performance — It has greater success in holding regular and elections and setting up conditions for opens public debate, But does not provide “fair chance to everyone and in subjecting every decision to publicw debate.. * Democratic governments do not have a very good record when it comes to sharing information with citizens, ‘+ But still compared to non-democracies they are better in this respect College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page 102, Responsive Expected outcome + Itis attentive to the needs and demands of the people and is largely free of corruption. Actual Performance © Democracies often frustrate the needs of the people and often ignore the demands of a majority of its population. ‘© They ignore the needs and demands of a majority of its population. They are corrupted also but leven non democracies ae not less corrupt ~* 3. Legitimate government ° Expected Outcome ‘Democratic government is people’s own government. Actual Performance S ‘© There is an overwhelming support for the idea of democracy all: otk theWworld. «The accompanying evidence from South Asia shows, the: its in countries with democratic regimes as well as countries without d People wish to be ruled by representatives elected by them. © + They also believe that democracy is suitable for their'countty. © Democracy’s ability to generate its own supBort'is‘itsélf an outcome that cannot be red. a ag! aa ee B. Economic growth and developmy (EsShomic outcome) ‘© Dictatorships have slightly high ;conomic growth «Economic development depends ypdp Several other factors ~ population, global situation, cooperation from other cOuntij nomic policies. Differences in the ratts, of ebajiomic development between less developed countries with dictatorships and démocragiés are negligible. © Conclusion - Democracy'is'not a guarantee of economic development. But we can expect democracy noti{ojlag kéhind dictatorships in this respect. When we find such significant differencgrin théxyafes of economic growth between countries under dictatorship and democracy, itis better to prefer democracy as it has several other positive outcomes ‘ # C. Reduction of inequality and poverty (Economic outcome) + pemo ey is based on political equality. But along with this we can see economic inequality ‘Browing. Qa Yimall number of ultra-rich enjoy a highly disproportionate share of wealth and incomes and heir share in total income of the country is increasing. + Onthe other hand the income of poor is declining. + Sometimes they find it difficult to meet their basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, house, education and health + Though poor constitute a large proportion of voters, yet the democratic governments are not keen to take up the question of poverty The situation is much worse in some other countries. Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page 11D. Accommodation of social diversity (Social outcome} * Democracies develop a procedure to conduct their competition which reduces tension among them * The social differences are respected in democracies and some mechanism is evolved to negotiate the differences Conditions to achieve the above outcome * Democracy is not just rule by majority but also takes minority’s view. The majority always needs ‘to work with the minority Rule by majority should not be rule by majority community in terms of religion or caste or linguistic, group. ‘* Democracy allows every citizen to be in majority at some point of time E, Dignity and freedom of the citizens # Democracy respects all the individuals equally. & * The passion for respect and freedom are the basis of democracy nls: Dignity of women — © Long struggles against male dominated societies have eon to respect ané éreat women equally. + Itbecomes easier for women now to wage a struggle aint yhat is now unacceptable legally and morally. on Ss * In a non-democratic set up, this unacceptabili woultt-not have legal basis because the principle oft individual freedom and digity wouldnt have the legal and moral force there. q me Caste discrimination — © The claims of disadvantaged and becun strengthened. © Caste based inequalities are sti foundations. It is the reco} int¥2a castes for equal statis and dignity have , iced in our society but it lacks legal and moral at makes ordinary citizens value their democratic right pk People’s demand for sforeheheits © Most div troy is that its examination never gets over. As democracy passes onen fes another test. + AS peopleaget enefits of democracy, they ask for more and want to make democracy, éven better ‘The fact that people are complaining is itself a testimony to the success of demécracy. * This shows people’s awareness and ability to expect and look at power holders and high salmipey Tt shows the transformation of people from the status of subject into that of rm he citizens believe that their votes make a difference to the way the government is run and to their own self interest. CHALLENGES OF DEMOCRACY A. Foundational challenge - 11. This involves transition to democracy and then instituting democratic government. 2. This involves bringing down the existing non-democratic regimes, keeping military away from controlling government and establishing sovereign and functional state Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page 128. Challenge of expansion ~ 4. This involves applying basic principle of democratic government across all the regions, different social groups and various institutions. 2. Ensuring great power to local governments, exter federation, inclusion of women and minority groups. 3. Less and less decisions should remain outside the arena of democratic control. 4. USA, India and other democracies face this challenge of federal principle to all the units of the C. Deepening of democracy — 1 This involves strengthening of the institutions and practices of democracy that jelp negble's participation and control gs, (> 2. This must happen in such a way that people will realize their expectations which aifensfom'Beople to. people. a. 3. It means strengthening those institutions that help people's participation and ton '4. This requires an attempt to bring down the control and influence of the‘ich and powerful people in ‘making governmental decision. “ %e * Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page 13INDEPENDENT ELE! [ION COMMISSION IN INDIA ‘The Election Commission of India is an Independent Constitutional Authority since 25th January, 1950. ‘The Commission has its headquarters in New Delhi. Eections enable every adult citizen of the country to participate in the process of government formation. You must have observed that elections are held in our country frequently. These include elections to elect members of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies (Vidhan Sabhas) Legislative Councils (Vidhan Parishad) and of, President and Vice-President of India, Elections are also held forsloc’ such as municipalities, municipal corporations and Panchayati Raj justificat attained the age of 18, you must have voted in some of these elections. If nots ‘opportunity to vote in the next round of elections. These elections f ‘universal adult franchise, which means all Indians of 18 years of age cade Pave the right to vote, irrespective of their caste, colour, religion, sex or place of birthy'Eléction is a complex exercise. It involves schedules rules and machinery. This lessga will etvé you'a clear picture of the voting procedure, as also about filing of nominations, their sefutiny and the campaigns carried out by the parties and the candidates before actual pélling’ In this lesson you will read about the Election Commission, electoral system in India and also some suggestions for electoral reforms. ¢ \p" y ¥ ‘The architects of the Indian Constitution attached sgggfal significance to an independent electoral machinery for the conduct of elections. The Copstfution of India provides for an Election Commission of India which is responsible for superinten: ion and control of all elections. tis responsible for conducting elections to both the Houses, 6f Bariiament and State Legislatures and for the offices of President and Vice-President. Besides" Yal8o respousible for the preperation revision, updation and maintenance of lists of votes ela constituencies for election to the Parliament and the State ‘Legislatures, fixes the [Link] and settles election disputes. It performs many other functions related toclections, gon, SS ° Compositions, “) ‘The Election Commi: consists of the Chief Election Commissioner and such other Election Commissigneygs may be decided by the President from time to time. Ever since the first Chief Election Conit As appointed in 1950, there was no other Election Commissioner till 1989. The Chief Hléftiin'Goniissioner was assisted by a larger number of officials. The Election Commission became a multfpemBer body on 16 October 1989 when the President appointed two more Electi Commifsioners. The senior of the two Election Commissioners is appointed as the Chief Election ‘Commissioner. Tenure and Removyal:- Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners are appointed for a term of six years, or till the age of 65 whichever is earlier. Iti important that Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Prof. Reshma Balu Shinde College of Agri-Business Management, Baramati Page 14