B. A. 1st Sem Political Science (General Elective Unit-3)

 By Dr. Farzeen

---

Unit III: Democracy in Action

Consist:-

1. Democracy In Action: Electoral Process, Voting Rights, Role of The Election Commission

2. Participating Governance: Panchayat Raj & Local Self Government Structure

---------------------------------------------------------

1. Electoral Process

• Meaning:
  The electoral process is the procedure through which citizens of a country choose their representatives in the government. In India, elections are the foundation of democracy.

• Features of Indian Electoral Process:

  1. Free and Fair Elections: Elections must be impartial without influence of money, power, or corruption.

  2. Universal Adult Franchise: Every adult citizen (18 years and above) has the right to vote, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, wealth, or education.

  3. Regular Intervals: Elections are held at fixed intervals – Lok Sabha (every 5 years), State Legislative Assemblies, Local Bodies (Panchayats, Municipalities).

  4. Secret Ballot: Voters cast their vote in secrecy to prevent undue influence.

  5. Multiple Levels: Elections take place at three levels – Union, State, and Local (Panchayati Raj and Municipalities).

• Significance of Electoral Process:

  • Protects democratic values.

  • Provides legitimacy to the government.

  • Acts as a check on misuse of power.

  • Ensures peaceful transfer of power.

📌 Example: The peaceful change of government after 1977 Emergency elections showed the strength of India’s democratic electoral process.

---

2. Voting Rights

• Constitutional Basis:

  • Article 326 provides for elections to the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and State Legislative Assemblies on the basis of Adult Suffrage.

  • In 1988, through the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act, the voting age was reduced from 21 years to 18 years.

• Key Principles of Voting Rights in India:

  1. Universal Adult Franchise: Every Indian citizen above 18 years has the right to vote.

  2. Equality of Vote: Every vote has equal value; no discrimination based on caste, class, or wealth.

  3. No Property/Education Qualifications: Unlike in colonial times, voting is not limited to the rich or educated.

  4. Right to Secrecy: Voting is confidential to avoid coercion.

• Importance of Voting Rights:

  • Makes democracy participatory.

  • Empowers citizens to influence policies and government.

  • Reduces discrimination and promotes equality.

  • Encourages accountability of leaders.

📌 Example: Even the poorest citizen in India has the same vote value as the Prime Minister.

---

3. Election Commission of India (ECI)

• Constitutional Body: Established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution.

• Composition:

  • Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)

  • Other Election Commissioners (number decided by the President).

• Functions of the Election Commission:

  1. Conduct of Elections: For Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, State Legislatures, President, and Vice-President.

  2. Preparation of Electoral Rolls: Maintaining and updating the list of eligible voters.

  3. Model Code of Conduct: Regulates political parties and candidates during elections.

  4. Supervision of Political Parties: Registration of political parties and ensuring adherence to democratic norms.

  5. Monitoring of Election Expenditure: Prevents misuse of money power.

  6. Ensuring Free and Fair Elections: Conducts elections in a transparent and impartial manner.

• Powers of Election Commission:

  • Can cancel elections in case of malpractice.

  • Can order re-polling.

  • Can take strict action against candidates or parties violating the code of conduct.

• Significance of Election Commission:

  • Guardian of Democracy.

  • Ensures credibility of the electoral process.

  • Acts as an independent institution, free from government influence.

📌 Example: In 2012, the ECI stopped the announcement of a new government scheme in Uttar Pradesh during elections, citing violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

---

Conclusion

The success of Indian democracy depends largely on:

• A transparent electoral process,

• Equal and inclusive voting rights, and

• An impartial and powerful Election Commission.

Together, these ensure that democracy is not only in theory but also in action, empowering the people to shape their government.

---

Steps of Electoral Process in India

Elections are the backbone of democracy. The electoral process ensures that people choose their representatives in a free, fair, and periodic manner. In India, elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under the provisions of the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, 1950 & 1951.

---

1. Delimitation of Constituencies

• Before elections, the country is divided into constituencies (areas represented by one elected member).

• Delimitation Commission is set up to fix the boundaries of these constituencies.

• Objective: ensure equal representation to people (population-based division).

📌 Example: Lok Sabha has 543 constituencies across India.

---

2. Preparation of Electoral Rolls (Voter List)

• Electoral rolls contain the names of all eligible voters (18 years and above, Indian citizens).

• Updated regularly by the Election Commission.

• Special campaigns like SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) are carried out to encourage voter registration.

---

3. Notification of Election

• The President (for Lok Sabha) or Governor (for State Assembly) issues the notification for elections.

• Official announcement includes dates of nomination, scrutiny, withdrawal, polling, and counting.

---

4. Nomination of Candidates

• Eligible candidates file nomination papers within the prescribed period.

• They must meet constitutional qualifications (e.g., age, citizenship, not disqualified).

• A security deposit is submitted to avoid non-serious candidates.

---

5. Scrutiny of Nominations

• Election officials carefully examine nomination papers.

• Papers of ineligible candidates are rejected (e.g., holding an office of profit, age below requirement).

---

6. Withdrawal of Candidature

• Candidates are given a chance to withdraw their nomination within a fixed period after scrutiny.

• Final list of contesting candidates is then published.

---

7. Election Campaigning

• After the final list, candidates start campaigning to convince voters.

• Campaigning includes rallies, door-to-door canvassing, manifestos, posters, debates, and now social media campaigns.

• Election Commission issues a Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to ensure fairness.

---

8. Polling Day (Voting)

• On the fixed date, voters cast their votes through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).

• Secret Ballot system ensures free choice without pressure.

• Voter’s identity is verified with EPIC (Voter ID card).

---

9. Counting of Votes

• After polling, EVMs are sealed and taken to counting centers.

• Counting is done in the presence of candidates’ representatives.

• Results are declared by the Returning Officer.

---

10. Declaration of Results

• The candidate with the highest number of valid votes is declared elected.

• Results are officially notified in the Gazette of India / State Gazette.

---

11. Formation of Government

• In Lok Sabha/State Assembly elections, the majority party (or coalition) is invited to form the government.

• The leader of the majority party becomes the Prime Minister (at Centre) or Chief Minister (at State level).

---

✅ In simple words: Elections in India follow a systematic procedure to make sure that every citizen above 18 years has an equal right to vote and choose their representatives in a free and fair manner.

---

Democracy in Action (Problems in Implementation)

1. Electoral Process: Free and Fair Elections

Despite the constitutional guarantee of free and fair elections, several challenges persist:

• Use of Money Power

  • Excessive spending by candidates and political parties.

  • Vote-buying through cash, liquor, or gifts.

  • Creates an uneven playing field for honest candidates.

• Use of Muscle Power

  • Threats, violence, booth capturing in some regions.

  • Criminalization of politics, with candidates having criminal backgrounds.

• Caste, Religion, and Communal Influences

  • Voters often influenced by caste or community affiliations instead of issues.

  • Appeals to religion or communal sentiments, which violates electoral laws.

• Electoral Malpractices

  • Bogus voting (fake votes).

  • Misuse of government machinery by ruling parties.

  • Media bias in election coverage.

---

2. Voting Rights (Universal Adult Franchise)

While the right to vote is guaranteed, practical problems exist:

• Low Voter Turnout

  • Many citizens, especially urban middle-class, do not participate.

  • Lack of political awareness or voter apathy reduces true representation.

• Exclusion Errors in Electoral Rolls

  • Genuine voters sometimes find their names missing.

  • Errors in updating lists affect migrant workers and marginalized groups.

• Misuse of Proxy Voting

  • In some regions, votes are cast in the name of absent or unaware voters.

  • Particularly affects women and illiterate citizens.

• Barriers for Vulnerable Groups

  • Disabled persons, elderly, and marginalized communities face difficulties in accessing polling booths.

---

3. Election Commission of India (ECI) and its Challenges

Though ECI is an independent constitutional body, some issues reduce its effectiveness:

• Political Pressure

  • Allegations of bias towards ruling parties.

  • Appointments of Election Commissioners influenced by the government.

• Implementation Issues

  • Inability to curb black money and illegal funding completely.

  • Difficulty in monitoring social media propaganda and fake news.

• Limited Powers

  • Cannot disqualify candidates for hate speech or communal appeals immediately.

  • Depends on judiciary for strict enforcement.

• Technological Challenges

  • Allegations of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) tampering.

  • Cyber threats in digital campaigning.

---

Conclusion

While India’s democratic framework ensures universal voting rights, periodic elections, and an independent Election Commission, the real challenges lie in implementation. Money power, criminalization of politics, voter apathy, and political misuse of institutions weaken the democratic process. Strengthening electoral reforms, voter education, and transparency is crucial for real democracy in action.

---

Democracy in Action: Electoral Reforms in India

Electoral reforms are the changes and improvements introduced in the electoral system of a country to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. In India, electoral reforms are crucial because elections are the foundation of democracy.

---

1. Constitutional and Legal Reforms

• Lowering of Voting Age (1989):

  • By the 61st Constitutional Amendment, the voting age was reduced from 21 years to 18 years.

  • This gave more youth participation in politics.

• Anti-Defection Law (1985):

  • The 52nd Amendment added the Tenth Schedule, disqualifying elected representatives if they defect from their political party.

  • Prevents political instability caused by frequent switching of parties.

• Right to Vote and Contest:

  • Only Indian citizens above 18 years have the right to vote.

  • To contest elections, minimum age is:

    • 25 years for Lok Sabha/State Assembly,

    • 30 years for Legislative Council,

    • 35 years for President and Vice-President.

---

2. Institutional Reforms

• Independent Election Commission:

  • Conducts and supervises elections impartially.

  • Has the power to decide election schedules, disqualify candidates, and regulate political parties.

• Introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs):

  • First used in 1998, fully implemented in 2004 elections.

  • Prevents booth capturing, invalid votes, and speeds up counting.

• Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) (2013 onwards):

  • Ensures transparency by allowing voters to verify their vote through a printed slip.

---

3. Political Party and Candidate Reforms

• Compulsory Disclosure:

  • Candidates must declare their criminal records, assets, liabilities, and educational qualifications at the time of nomination (Supreme Court Judgment, 2002).

• Ceiling on Election Expenditure:

  • Legal limit imposed to reduce misuse of money power in elections.

• Recognition and Regulation of Political Parties:

  • The Election Commission grants recognition (National/State level) and ensures they follow democratic principles.

---

4. Technological and Administrative Reforms

• Use of Voter ID (EPIC):

  • Introduced in 1993, made compulsory to prevent bogus voting.

• NOTA (None of the Above):

  • Introduced in 2013 to allow voters to reject all candidates if they are not satisfied.

• Online Facilities:

  • Registration of new voters, correction of details, and complaint systems made available online.

---

5. Recent Electoral Reforms

• One Nation, One Election (Debated Proposal):

  • Idea to hold Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections together to save money and time.

  • Still under discussion.

• Disqualification on Conviction:

  • Any MP/MLA convicted for a crime with a punishment of 2 years or more is disqualified immediately (Supreme Court judgment, 2013).

• Curbing Criminalization in Politics:

  • Supreme Court directed political parties to publish criminal cases of candidates on their websites and in newspapers (2020).

• Electoral Bonds (2018):

  • Introduced to bring transparency in political funding, though critics say it may still allow hidden donations.

---

6. Suggested Future Reforms

• Ban on candidates with serious criminal charges until acquitted.

• State funding of elections to reduce money power.

• Stronger laws against hate speeches and communal campaigning.

• Mandatory internal democracy within political parties.

• Stricter action against misuse of social media and fake news during elections.

---

✅ Conclusion:
Electoral reforms strengthen Indian democracy by ensuring that elections are transparent, inclusive, and accountable. However, continuous reforms are required to deal with new challenges like money power, muscle power, criminalization, and misuse of technology.

---

---

Participatory Governance

📌 Meaning

• Participatory Governance means active involvement of citizens in the decision-making and implementation of policies at the grassroots level.

• It ensures people’s participation in democracy beyond voting, through local self-governing institutions like Panchayati Raj (rural) and Urban Local Bodies (municipalities).

It is based on the principle:
👉 “Democracy at the grassroots ensures empowerment of people in real sense.”

---

1. Panchayati Raj – Local Self-Government in Rural Areas

🔹 Background

• India is a country of villages; majority of population lives in rural areas.

• For strengthening democracy at the grassroots, 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 introduced a three-tier Panchayati Raj system.

• Came into force on 24 April 1993 (celebrated as National Panchayati Raj Day).

🔹 Features of Panchayati Raj

1. Three-Tier Structure

   • Gram Panchayat → at village level.

   • Panchayat Samiti → at block/taluk level.

   • Zila Parishad → at district level.

2. Elections

   • Direct elections for members of all three levels.

   • Every citizen above 18 years has voting rights.

   • Conducted by State Election Commission.

3. Reservation

   • Seats reserved for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women (minimum 33% for women, many states increased to 50%).

4. Tenure

   • Fixed tenure of 5 years.

   • If dissolved, re-elections within 6 months.

5. Gram Sabha

   • Assembly of all adult members of a village.

   • Acts as the foundation of rural democracy.

   • Approves village plans, budget, and monitors Panchayat work.

6. Powers and Responsibilities

   • Rural development, sanitation, drinking water, roads, agriculture, education, health, poverty alleviation programs, etc.

---

2. Urban Local Bodies – Municipalities

🔹 Background

• To strengthen urban self-government, the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 came into force on 1 June 1993.

• It created a uniform structure for municipalities across India.

🔹 Types of Urban Local Bodies

1. Municipal Corporation (Nagar Nigam) → for large cities.

2. Municipal Council (Nagar Palika) → for medium towns.

3. Nagar Panchayat → for smaller towns and transitional areas (from rural to urban).

🔹 Features

1. Democratic Structure

   • Direct elections for members.

   • Chairpersons (Mayor/President) elected by people or members.

2. Reservation

   • Like Panchayati Raj, seats reserved for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women.

3. Tenure

   • 5 years, re-elections within 6 months if dissolved.

4. Ward Committees

   • For cities with population above 3 lakh, Ward Committees ensure direct participation of citizens.

5. Powers and Responsibilities

   • Urban planning, roads, street lighting, drinking water, drainage, solid waste management, primary health, slum development, housing, environment protection.

---

3. Significance of Participatory Governance

• Strengthens grassroots democracy.

• Brings administration closer to people.

• Encourages citizen participation and accountability.

• Promotes inclusive development by reserving seats for women and marginalized communities.

• Ensures efficient delivery of services (roads, health, sanitation, education).

---

4. Challenges

• Lack of funds and resources.

• Dominance of local elites and caste politics.

• Poor awareness among people about rights and duties.

• Limited autonomy – dependence on state government.

• Corruption and misuse of power.

---

5. Reforms Needed

• Strengthening financial independence of local bodies.

• Capacity building and training of elected representatives.

• Increasing use of digital technology and e-governance.

• Greater citizen awareness and participation.

• Strict accountability and transparency mechanisms.

---

✅ Summary for Students

• 73rd Amendment (1992): Panchayati Raj – rural local government.

• 74th Amendment (1992): Municipalities – urban local government.

• Aim → “Democracy at grassroots, citizen participation, inclusive development.”

---