B. A. 4th Sem. Vocational (Public Policy- Unit-2- Political Democracy in India)

By

Dr. Farzeen Bano

Unit:II- People's Representation Act

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 People's Representation Act & Electoral Reforms 

Introduction to the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951

Purpose and Scope 

- The Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951, is a key legislation governing elections in India.  

- It lays down the rules and procedures for the conduct of elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice President.  

- Purpose:  

  - Ensures free and fair elections.  

  - Regulates electoral rolls and candidate eligibility.  

  - Prevents corrupt practices and electoral malpractices.  

  - Provides for disqualifications of candidates based on criminal offenses, corruption, and other grounds.  

Ke Provisions of the RPA, 1951 

1. Qualifications for Contesting Elections  

   - Minimum age:  

     - Lok Sabha & State Assembly: 25 years  

     - Rajya Sabha & Legislative Council: 30 years  

     - President of India: 35 years  

   - Must be an Indian citizen.  

   - Must be a registered voter in any parliamentary or assembly constituency.  

2. Disqualifications for Contesting Elections  

   - Under Section 8: Disqualification due to criminal offenses, corruption, or illegal practices.  

   - Other grounds for disqualification: 

     - Holding an office of profit under the government.  

     - Unsound mind or insolvency.  

     - Defection under the Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law).  

3. Conduct of Elections  

   - Elections to Parliament and State Assemblies are held based on universal adult suffrage.  

   - The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for conducting elections.  

   - Use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) for transparency.  

4. Corrupt Practices and Electoral Offenses  

   - Bribery, booth capturing, impersonation, undue influence on voters are punishable offenses.  

   - Paid news and hate speeches can lead to disqualification.  

   - False election expenditure declarations can lead to election cancellation.  

5. Model Code of Conduct (MCC) 

   - A set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission during elections.  

   - Ensures fair play and prevents misuse of government machinery.  

   - Key rules:  

     - Ministers cannot use government resources for campaigning.  

     - No announcement of new policies once elections are declared.  

     - No hate speeches, religious appeals, or bribing voters.  

Election Process in India  

Structure of the Election Commission of India (ECI) 

- Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional body responsible for free and fair elections.  

- Composition: 

  - Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) + Two Election Commissioners.  

  - Appointed by the President of India.  

  - Have a six-year tenure or retirement at 65 years.  

- Functions: 

  - Conducts Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Assembly elections.  

  - Prepares and maintains electoral rolls.  

  - Monitors election campaigns and expenditure.  

  - Implements Model Code of Conduct.  

Conduct of Elections  

- Election process involves: 

  1. Announcement of Election Dates by the ECI.  

  2. Filing of nominations by candidates.  

  3. Scrutiny of nominations to check eligibility.  

  4. Withdrawal of nominations if candidates choose.  

  5. Election campaign (limited to 48 days before voting).  

  6. Polling and Voting (EVMs used).  

  7. Counting of votes and declaration of results.  

  8. Formation of the government by the winning party/coalition.  

Electoral Reforms in India

1. Introduction of NOTA (None of the Above)  

- Introduced in 2013 after a Supreme Court ruling.  

- Allows voters to reject all candidates without violating their voting rights.  

- Objective:  

  - Encourages political accountability.  

  - Increases voter participation.  

- Limitation: 

  - NOTA does not impact election results (even if NOTA gets the highest votes, the candidate with the second-most votes wins).  

2. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) 

- Introduced in 2013 to enhance EVM transparency.  

- A paper slip is generated after casting a vote, allowing the voter to verify it.  

- In case of a dispute, VVPAT slips are counted manually.  

3. State Funding of Elections 

- Suggested to reduce corruption by limiting corporate and private funding.  

- Pros: 

  - Reduces influence of money power in elections.  

  - Promotes equal opportunities for all parties.  

- Cons:  

  - Increases government expenditure.  

  - Risk of misuse of public funds.  

Conclusion  

- The Representation of the People Act, 1951, is crucial for maintaining electoral integrity.  

- The Election Commission of India ensures free and fair elections.  

- Electoral reforms like NOTA, VVPAT, and State Funding of Elections aim to make Indian democracy more transparent and accountable.  

- However, challenges like criminalization of politics, vote buying, and election-related corruption still exist and require stronger reforms.