The Lok Sabha elections are here. It’s a time of heightened political engagement and spirited debates as citizens nationwide gear up to exercise their democratic rights. Amidst the anticipation and fervor surrounding the elections, read this article to learn more about the story of the Indian elections.
India’s multi-phase general elections of 2024 began on the 19th of April this year, with millions of people voting in 91 districts across 20 states and federal territories in the first phase of the election. Approximately 96.8 crore people (more than the combined populations of the United States and the European Union), are eligible to vote in the world’s largest political exercise. Over the course of a month, voters in 28 states and eight union territories will elect 543 members to the lower house, the Lok Sabha. The party or alliance holding a simple majority (273 seats) is asked to form a government. The MPs of the winning party or alliance chose their leader, who becomes the country’s Prime Minister. Till date, India has at least 6 national parties, over 56 recognised state parties, and 2796 unrecognised parties, for the 18th Lok Sabha elections.
Now, before we delve into the process of our electoral procedure, let us understand the basic structure of the government. The government structure in India is a multifaceted system encompassing various levels of governance, each with its own distinct roles and responsibilities. The central government oversees national affairs at the highest level, while state governments manage regional governance. This hierarchical structure ensures the efficient functioning of the democratic framework established by the Indian Constitution.
Lok Sabha (The House of the People)
The Lok Sabha, or House of the People, is one of the two houses of the Indian Parliament, representing the citizens of India. Comprising elected members from across the country, the Lok Sabha is tasked with legislating on matters of national importance, including the passing of bills and the approval of budgets. The House of the People, or Lok Sabha, is the lower house of parliament, in accordance with Article 79 of the Indian Constitution. The members of the Lok Sabha are chosen by direct election using adult suffrage as the basis for representation of the people. The Constitution allows 552 as the House’s maximum strength. Through debates and discussions, members of the Lok Sabha voice the concerns and aspirations of their constituents, contributing to the democratic decision-making process.
Rajya Sabha (The Council of States)
The Rajya Sabha, or Council of States, serves as the upper house of the Indian Parliament, representing the interests of the states and union territories. In contrast to the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha’s members are appointed by the Indian President and state legislatures rather than being directly elected by the populace. This ensures a diverse representation of regional voices in the legislative process. There shall be no more than 250 members in the Rajya Sabha, including 12 members proposed by the President and 238 members representing the States and Union Territories. The Rajya Sabha is an indefinite body that cannot be dissolved. However, every two years, one-third of the members retire and are replaced by freshly elected individuals. Every member is chosen to serve a six-year term. The Rajya Sabha’s ex-officio chairman is India’s Vice President. A Deputy Chairman is also chosen by the House from among its members. In addition, the Rajya Sabha has a group of “Vice Chairmen”. The Prime Minister appoints the senior most minister, a Rajya Sabha member, as the House’s Leader.
State Government: Governance at the Grassroots
State governments play a pivotal role in India’s governance structure, administering the affairs of their respective states and union territories. The Governor and the Council of Ministers, led by the Chief Minister, comprise the state executive. A state’s governor is chosen by the President, to serve a five-year term. This office can only be filled by Indian citizens who are at least 35 years old. The Governor is the State’s executive authority. While consulting the Council of Ministers is mandatory for law and order matters, the Governor is free to decide what needs to be done. From infrastructure development to social welfare schemes, state governments work tirelessly to improve the lives of their citizens and foster economic growth and development at the grassroots level.
Election Commission of India (ECI): Ensuring Free and Fair Elections
ECI is an autonomous constitutional body in charge of overseeing the conduct of elections at the national and state levels. It is dedicated to upholding the principles of democracy and electoral integrity; the ECI ensures that elections are conducted freely, fairly, and transparently. Through voter registration drives, candidate nominations, polling station management, and result tabulation, the ECI plays a crucial role in safeguarding the democratic process and preserving the sanctity of elections in India. The registration of the political parties guarantees their national, state, and regional recognition. Depending on the situation, the electoral commission can provide symbols to the political parties. Even if two political parties do not run for office in the same area, they cannot have the same symbol.
With this understanding, let us know more about the actual election process in India.
ELECTION PROCESS
In the part XV of the constitution of India, Articles 324-329 talk about the elections. When the legislature’s five-year term expires or is dissolved, and new elections are called, the Election Commission of India (ECI) activates the electoral apparatus for the upcoming elections. A few weeks before the formal process begins, the Election Commission of India holds a huge press conference to announce the election calendar.
The election timetable covers crucial dates for major events in the election process, such as the nomination filing deadline, polling day, and so on. Following such an announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for candidates and political parties takes immediate effect. The notification for elections is issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) a few days after the election date is announced.
The formal process of elections begins with a notification or notifications requesting that the people elect Members of a House. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are used to vote in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections. Voting is done using the “Secret Ballot” technique, which ensures the secrecy of the voter’s choice. Polling stations are typically set up in public buildings such as schools and community halls. Typically, the Election Commission of India (ECI) strives to guarantee that there is a polling station within two kilometers of every voter and that no polling station handles more than 1200 voters.
Each voting location remains open for at least eight hours on election day. When an elector visits the polling station to vote, he or she is checked against the electoral roll, an identification document is validated, indelible ink is put to the left forefinger, and a voter slip is provided.
Finally, the Presiding Officer of the House allows voters to vote by activating the ballot button in the Control Unit.
This is how the Election Commission of India has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s democracy. Through its efforts, citizens participate in electing representatives who govern the nation on their behalf. The Commission has fostered a sense of autonomy and fairness in the electoral process, ensuring that it remains independent and transparent.
To understand the post-election procedures, the election code, nomination procedures, how are votes counted post-election, and the formation of government, read the Part 2 of this article.
P.S. Show commitment to participatory governance and civic duty by voting!