1) with reference to election commission answer the following question:
A) mention the significance of the election? (3)
Ans)1. people elect members of parliament and state legislative assemblies: the
elected members of parliament and state legislative assemblies elect the president of India.
The prime minister and other ministers are appointed by the president.
2. People exercise control over their representatives: they may reject a party which
failed to deliver the goods which it had promised.
3. Elections are a means of protecting our freedoms and rights: in a true democracy no
one can complain that he has not a chance to be heard.
B) define the three types of election?(3)
Ans)General Election: Held every five years for all constituencies at the national level (to
elect members of the Lok Sabha) and state level (to elect members of the Vidhan Sabha). It
occurs simultaneously or within a few days across the country or state.
Mid-term Election: Conducted if the Lok Sabha or a State Assembly is dissolved before its
regular five-year term ends. This usually happens if the ruling government loses its majority
and no other party can form a stable government.
By-Election: Held only for one or a few specific constituencies to fill a vacancy caused by
the death, resignation, or disqualification of a member. The newly elected representative
serves only the remaining part of the original term.
C) define direct and indirect election? (4)
Ans)1. Direct Election
Definition: A system where the citizens of a country directly cast their votes to elect their
representatives to a legislative body.
Process: Every eligible voter (usually 18+ years old) participates by casting a ballot for the
candidate of their choice. The candidate who secures the most votes is declared the winner.
Accountability: This method creates a direct link between the people and their leaders,
making representatives more accountable to the public.
Examples: Election of members to the Lok Sabha (Parliament) and State Legislative
Assemblies (Vidhan Sabha) in India.
2. Indirect Election
Definition: A system where voters do not choose the final officeholder directly but instead
elect a group of representatives (an electoral college) who then make the final selection.
Process: It is a two-stage process. First, the public elects intermediate representatives (like
MPs or MLAs). Second, these representatives cast their votes to elect the high-ranking
official.
Purpose: This system is often used for specialized offices to ensure the final decision is
made by informed electors or to balance representation across different regions.
Examples: Election of the President of India and members of the Rajya Sabha (Upper
House).
2) define the compositions and organisations of the election? (5)
Ans)
● Since its inception, the commission had only one election commissioner but after the
Election Commissioner Amendment Act 1989, it has been made a multi-member
body.
● According to Art. 324 of the Indian Constitution provides the following provisions in
relation to the composition of the election commission –
● Composition: The Election Commission consists of the chief election commissioner
and such number of other election commissioners, determined by the President.
● Appointment: The President appoints Chief Election Commissioner and Election
Commissioners.
● The President may also appoint regional commissioners after consultation with the
election commission.
● Chief Election Commissioner: acts as the chairman of the election commission when
other election commissioners are appointed.
● Conditions of Service and Tenure: of office of the election commissioners and the
regional commissioners shall be determined by the PRESIDENT OF INDIA.
● Equal Status and Remuneration: The Chief Election Commissioner and the two other
Election Commissioners enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as
available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
● Collective Decision-Making Authority: The Chief Election Commissioners and the two
Election Commissioners have equal powers to take all decisions relating to elections
as a collective body.
● Resolution of Differences: In case of difference of opinion amongst the Chief Election
Commissioner and/or two other election commissioners, the matter is decided by the
Commission by majority
3) what is do you mean by free and fair election?(5)
Ans)