Class 9th Political Science Electoral Politics Notes

1. Elections

• Elections are the backbone of a democracy.
• Democracy functions effectively only if people can choose their representatives freely.
• Electoral Politics refers to the process by which political parties and candidates contest elections and citizens vote to form governments.

Key Idea:

• In a democracy, the government is accountable to the people, and elections are the main mechanism for this accountability.

2. Why Elections Are Important

1. Selection of Government
   • People elect representatives to legislative bodies (Parliament, State Assemblies, Local Bodies).
   • These representatives form the executive (Prime Minister, Chief Minister, ministers).
2. Political Participation
   • Elections give citizens a chance to participate in governance.
   • Voting is both a right and a responsibility.
3. Legitimacy of Government
   • Governments elected through free and fair elections are legitimate.
4. Peaceful Change of Government
   • Elections allow people to replace government peacefully if dissatisfied.

3. Key Features of Elections in India

1. Universal Adult Franchise
   • Every citizen above 18 years can vote, irrespective of caste, religion, gender, or wealth.
2. Regular and Free Elections
   • Elections are held every 5 years for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
   • Conducted without fear, intimidation, or coercion.
3. Secret Ballot
   • Voting is confidential; ensures free choice without pressure.
4. Independent Election Commission
   • Established in 1950 to supervise elections.
   • Functions include:
     • Conducting elections.
     • Preparing electoral rolls.
     • Ensuring free and fair elections.
5. Competition Between Political Parties
   • Multi-party system ensures choices for voters.
   • Parties must contest fairly and respect democratic norms.

4. Political Parties

• Political parties are groups of people with similar ideas and goals who contest elections to form government.

4.1 Functions of Political Parties

1. Contest elections and nominate candidates.
2. Educate people about policies and programs.
3. Form government after winning majority.
4. Provide leadership and direction.
5. Represent diverse interests of society.

4.2 Types of Political Parties

1. National Parties
   • Operate in many states, have a wide base.
   • Example: Indian National Congress (INC), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
2. State Parties
   • Operate only in one or few states.
   • Example: DMK (Tamil Nadu), Trinamool Congress (West Bengal).

5. How Elections Work in India

5.1 Electoral System

• India uses First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system:
  • Candidate with most votes wins, even if not absolute majority.

5.2 Steps in an Election

1. Announcement of Elections → Election Commission notifies dates.
2. Filing Nominations → Candidates submit papers to contest.
3. Scrutiny → Papers are checked; candidates must fulfill eligibility.
4. Election Campaign → Parties/candidates explain their programs.
5. Polling/Voting → People cast votes using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
6. Counting & Results → Candidate with most votes declared winner.
7. Formation of Government → Party with majority forms government; leader becomes PM or CM.

6. Challenges in Electoral Politics

1. Criminalization of Politics
   • Some candidates have criminal records; they influence voters with money/power.
2. Money and Muscle Power
   • Elections are expensive; rich candidates often dominate.
3. Dynastic Politics
   • Political positions passed in families; merit ignored.
4. Low Voter Turnout
   • Citizens do not exercise voting right due to apathy or lack of awareness.
5. Uninformed Voting
   • Voters may choose candidates based on caste, religion, or freebies rather than policies.
6. Political Polarization
   • Dividing people on religious, caste, or regional lines.

7. Importance of Political Awareness

• Citizens should be aware of their rights and duties in a democracy.
• Awareness ensures responsible voting and accountable government.
• Tools for awareness:
  • Newspapers, TV, social media, debates, political rallies.

8. Reforms Needed in Electoral Politics

1. Election Financing Reform → Reduce the influence of money.
2. Stronger Laws for Criminal Candidates → Disqualify candidates with serious charges.
3. Voter Education Campaigns → Encourage informed voting.
4. Transparency in Political Funding → Parties declare sources of donations.
5. Encouraging Young Voters → Engage youth in active politics.

9. Role of Election Commission

• Ensures free, fair, and impartial elections.
• Functions include:
  1. Preparing and updating electoral rolls.
  2. Monitoring campaign expenditures.
  3. Ensuring code of conduct is followed by parties.
  4. Using technology like EVMs and VVPAT to reduce errors.

10. Significance of Electoral Politics

• Democracy cannot survive without free and fair elections.
• Elections make governments accountable to the people.
• Political competition ensures better policies and development programs.
• Citizen participation strengthens democratic institutions and governance.

Quick Revision Points

• Elections = backbone of democracy.
• Universal Adult Franchise = every citizen above 18 votes.
• Key institutions = Election Commission, political parties.
• Electoral system = First-Past-The-Post (FPTP).
• Challenges = criminalization, money power, dynastic politics, low awareness.
• Reforms = financing, voter education, transparency.