India, being the world’s biggest democracy and now dubbed as the “mother of democracy”, it becomes crucial to conduct a smooth transfer of power through free and fair elections that reflect the political and socio-economic aspirations of its people. In a democracy, it is through elections that the general public participates in public affairs and…
Over the years, several committees set up by the union government, Law Commission reports, and the Election Commission itself have proposed wide-ranging electoral reforms such as issues related to the criminalisation of politics, electoral financing, the autonomy of the Election Commission, Anti-defection law, paid news, simultaneous elections, Right to reject, Model code of conduct etc….
Voting behaviour refers to actions or decisions taken by the electors while voting. It involves the study of human political behaviour in the context of voting in elections. It encompasses a wide range of factors that influence how people choose their preferred candidates or political parties. Voting behaviour is not limited to the mere examination…
Defection In a political scenario, defection is a situation when a member of a political party leaves his/her party and joins hands with other parties. Traditionally, this phenomenon is known as ‘floor crossing’, which had its origin in the British House of Commons, where a legislator changed his/her allegiance when s/he crossed the floor and…
Conduct of Election in India The Representation of People Act of 1951 provides for the conduct of elections in India. It defines the roles and responsibilities of government officials and the procedures for the conduct of elections, such as on the matters of nomination, campaigning, polling, counting, declaration of results and offences. Administrative Machinery for…
Constitutional Provisions Regarding Elections Part XV of the Indian Constitution deals with Elections. However, it only provides the foundational framework for holding elections; for example, it provides for the Election Commission to hold elections, universal adult suffrage, etc.; the elaborate provisions are made by the Parliament and, in some cases, state legislatures too, as provided…
Political Party A political party is a group of people who share common values, ideology and goals and come together to contest elections and form government. In comparison, Pressure groups or interest groups are organised associations, unions or organisations of people who share common interests. Political parties are the most visible institutions in a modern democracy, and for most ordinary citizens, democracy means political…