How Elections are Conducted in India?

How Elections are Conducted in India? is a very basic question. But before going into that, first of all let us understand what an election is ? Election is a very important process particularly in a democracy. It is the Election through which people elect their representatives. Election is not a new concept although the way of conducting an election might have changed.

As we all know that India is going to witness Lok Sabha Elections from 19th of April to 1st of June 2024. In background of this it is very important to understand How Elections are Conducted in India?

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What is an Election?

In a simple sense, Election is a process through which the fate of a Country is decided. It is a process that gives power to the Citizens so that they can play their vital role in the progress of a nation by choosing their representatives and ultimately choosing their leader.

It is a process that works as a deterrence for the political leaders from doing any kind of ill-legislation. It is the Election that works as a motivation for the political leaders to work for the people. In other words If Election are not conducted in a Country then we can’t even call it a Country.

How Elections are Conducted in India?

Elections in India is an extensive process involving various stakeholders of the government. Overall Responsibility of conducting free and fair Elections rest with the Election Commission of India (ECI). The Constitution of India gives powers to the ECI under article 324 of the Constitution.

1. Announcement of Election Dates

The Environment of Election is began to be felt after the announcement of Election dates. For 2024 Lok Sabha elections the date is 19th of April to 1st of June. This announcement gives the political party the timeline of doing various electoral work like Ticket distribution, Campaigning Schedule, Filing Nominations etc….

This announcement also sets the last date of filing of Nomination by candidates, Scrutiny of Nomination papers and Withdrawal of Nomination. These deadlines are crucial for maintaining the integrity and orderliness of the electoral process.

2. Voter Registration

Before every election ECI ensures that the voter list should be updated so that only the eligible voter can take part in the election process. For registration of voters various methods are used for eg :- Door-to-Door registration, Online portal for registration etc…

3. Nomination of Candidates

Candidates from Political Parties or Independent Candidates must file their nomination in given timeframe. Candidates need to fulfill certain criteria such as being of minimum age, submitting deposits etc… as mandated by the ECI

Candidates while filing Nomination should also give an affidavit declaring assets, liabilities and Criminal records (if any) of the Candidate.

4. Scrutiny of Nominations

After the nomination period ends, the Election Commission scrutinizes the nomination papers to ensure that the candidates fulfill all eligibility criteria.

5. Campaigning Period

It is the most important phase of the Election process. This phase gives chance to both side :- Candidates as well as Public.

Candidates are given chance to make rallies, campaign to persuade public. While on the other hand people are given chance to convey their demands.

Campaigning activities include public rallies, speeches, door-to-door canvassing, media advertisements, and social media outreach.

6. Polling

On the designated dates, eligible voters cast their votes at polling stations established across the country.

The ECI ensures that necessary arrangements are made for a free and fair voting process, including the deployment of security personnel to maintain order and security at polling stations.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are typically used for voting, although in some remote or inaccessible areas, paper ballots may still be used.

7. Counting of votes

After polling is completed, the ECI oversees the counting of votes. Counting usually takes place on a specified date following the polling day.

Counting centers are established in each constituency, where sealed EVMs or ballot boxes are opened, and the votes are tallied.

Representatives of candidates and political parties are often present during the counting process to observe and verify the transparency and fairness of the process.

8. Declaration of Results

After the counting of votes, the Election Commission declares the results for each constituency.

The candidate who secures the highest number of valid votes in a constituency is declared the winner and is elected as the Member of Parliament (in the case of national elections) or Member of Legislative Assembly (in the case of state elections).