Elections and Electoral Systems
~10 min read
- EC of India: Article 324. Multi-member body — CEC + 2 ECs. Conducts elections to Parliament, State Legislatures, President, VP.
- System: First-past-the-post in single-member constituencies for LS and State Assemblies. Proportional representation by single transferable vote for President, VP, RS, Legislative Councils.
- Key reforms: Anti-defection (10th Schedule, 1985), Model Code of Conduct, NOTA (2013), VVPAT, Right to Information about candidates (2003).
Indian elections are conducted by the Election Commission under Article 324. The system mixes first-past-the-post and proportional representation. NDA tests the EC, MCC, electoral reforms, and NOTA.
Election Commission
- Article 324: Independent body for superintendence, direction and control of elections.
- Composition: CEC + 2 ECs (since 1993).
- Tenure: 6 years or 65 years.
- Removal: CEC — only by impeachment (same as SC judge). ECs — only on CEC's recommendation.
- First CEC: Sukumar Sen (1950-58).
- Functions: Voter rolls; constituency delimitation; conduct of elections; resolution of electoral disputes; recognition of parties; allotment of symbols; election expense monitoring.
Electoral Systems
| Office | System |
|---|---|
| Lok Sabha & State Assemblies | First-past-the-post in single-member constituencies — candidate with most votes wins |
| President & Vice-President | Single transferable vote with proportional representation |
| Rajya Sabha & Legislative Councils | Single transferable vote (indirect — by elected MLAs / electoral college) |
Model Code of Conduct
- Guidelines for parties and candidates during campaigns.
- Came into effect when EC announces election dates; continues until results.
- Covers: campaign speeches, processions, polling-day conduct, use of state machinery, religious appeals.
- No statutory backing — derives moral force from EC's authority. But enforceable through EC's powers.
- EC can take action: warnings, ban from campaigning, recommend election petitions, even cancel candidate's right to contest.
Major Electoral Reforms
| Reform | Year |
|---|---|
| Voting age 21 → 18 | 61st Amendment, 1989 |
| Anti-defection law (10th Schedule) | 52nd Amendment, 1985 |
| Right to know candidate's criminal/financial background | SC ruling, 2002 |
| NOTA (None Of The Above) on EVMs | SC ruling, 2013 |
| VVPAT (Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) | Introduced 2013, full rollout 2019 |
| Electoral Bonds | Introduced 2018 — struck down by SC in 2024 as unconstitutional |
| Anti-defection tightened (defection by 1/3 banned) | 91st Amendment, 2003 |
| Pranab Mukherjee Committee on simultaneous elections | 2018 recommendations; debate ongoing |
Anti-Defection Law
- 10th Schedule, added by 52nd Amendment (1985).
- An MP/MLA disqualified if: (a) voluntarily gives up party membership, OR (b) votes against party whip without permission.
- 91st Amendment (2003): Earlier, defection by 1/3 of party legislators was allowed; now only mergers of 2/3 escape disqualification.
- Decision-maker: Speaker (LS/Assembly) or Chairman (RS/Council). Subject to judicial review (Kihoto Hollohan, 1992).
- Independents can be disqualified for joining a party.
- Nominated members can join a party within 6 months of nomination.
NDA PYQ Examples
Q: NOTA (None Of The Above) was introduced in India through:
(a) Parliamentary Act 2010 (b) Supreme Court ruling 2013 (c) Constitutional amendment 2014 (d) Election Commission notification 2009
Answer: (b) Supreme Court ruling, 2013 (PUCL v. UoI).
Q: The Anti-Defection Law is in which Schedule?
(a) 7th (b) 9th (c) 10th (d) 12th
Answer: (c) 10th — added by 52nd Amendment, 1985.
Q: Who can be removed from the Election Commission only by impeachment?
(a) Election Commissioners (b) Chief Election Commissioner (c) Both CEC and ECs (d) None
Answer: (b) Chief Election Commissioner — ECs only on CEC's recommendation.
Q: India's first CEC was:
(a) T.N. Seshan (b) Sukumar Sen (c) M.S. Gill (d) V.S. Ramadevi
Answer: (b) Sukumar Sen — 1950-58.
Drill Elections and Electoral Systems for NDA
NDA-pattern items on Elections and Electoral Systems with answer keys and explanations.
Start Free Mock TestFrequently Asked Questions
How is the Chief Election Commissioner appointed?
Earlier by President on PM's advice. As of 2023 Act (after SC's directions in Anoop Baranwal v. UoI), by a 3-member committee — PM + Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha + a Union Minister.
What is the Model Code of Conduct?
Guidelines issued by EC that political parties and candidates must follow during elections. It governs campaign speeches, polling day, use of state resources. Not statutory but EC has the power to enforce.
What is the difference between PR and FPTP?
First-past-the-post (FPTP): candidate with most votes in a constituency wins, even without majority. Used for LS and State Assemblies. Proportional Representation (PR): seats allocated in proportion to votes; used for President, VP, RS via Single Transferable Vote.
Can a candidate contest from multiple constituencies?
Yes, but maximum from two (since 1996). If wins both, must vacate one within 14 days. If only one win, no issue.
What is the role of EC during elections?
From announcement of dates till result declaration, EC has wide powers — voter roll updates, constituency demarcation, candidate scrutiny, polling station setup, EVM deployment, observer deployment, complaint redressal, declaration of results.