ELECTIONS
MEANING AND SIGNIFICANCE
The election is the main vehicle through which modern representative democracy moves. It is a contest between or amongst candidates in an electoral constituency to win the majority vote to be elected.
DEMOCRACY
Democracy is a government of the people, for the people, and by the people. The people are the real source of sovereign power in a democracy. The voters express their opinion and take part in the democratic process through elections. Hence, the significance of elections in democracy is self-evident.
In a democracy, elections are held periodically i.e. after 3 to 5 years, as may be provided in the constitution. For example, Indian Lok Sabha and state assemblies are elected for five years. So is the case with the British House of Commons. The U.S. House of Representatives is elected for two years; while the Indian Rajya Sabha is a permanent house, with ⅓ members retiring every two years.
KINDS OF ELECTIONS
Direct Elections
Indirect Elections
DIRECT ELECTIONS
In direct elections, the voters cast their votes directly in favor of the candidate of their choice. There is no middle man between the voter and the candidate. A Candidate who gets a simple majority of votes is declared elected. This is regarded as the best form of election. This system prevails in India for the elections to the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the local bodies.
INDIRECT ELECTION
In the Indirect election, the voter does not elect the candidate directly. He votes for a middle man, who votes for the final candidates on behalf of the original voter. As such, there is no direct contact between the original voter and the final member who represents him. This system prevails in India in the election of the President, Vice-President, Members of the Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Councils.
OTHER KINDS OF ELECTION
General Elections
By-Elections
Mid-Term Elections
GENERAL ELECTIONS
The Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabhas in the states are normally elected for five years which is known as General Elections.
BY-ELECTIONS
If a representative from a constituency dies while in office, or if the office falls vacant for reasons like resignation, fresh elections are held in that particular constituency. Such an election is called a by-election.
MID-TERM ELECTIONS
If the Lok Sabha or any of the State Assemblies(Vidhan Sabhas) is dissolved before the expiry of its full term and elections are held to constitute a new house, it is called mid-term elections.
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