Can we draw the following conclusions from the information given in this chapter? Give two facts to support your position for each of these. 1. Election Commission of India does not have enough powers to conduct free and fair elections in the country. 2. There is a high level of popular participation in the elections in our country. 3. It is very easy for the party in power to win an election. 4. Many reforms are needed to make our elections completely free and fair.

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

1. First statement is incorrect as Election Commission is an independent body. All the elections in our country are conducted by the Election commission. Election commission not only conduct elections but also announces the dates of the election and manages the things during elections. It has the powers to allow or disallow candidates, announce re-election, cancel election if necessary without having to consult any of the political bodies.

2. Second statement is correct. India has the highest number of voters in the world and the global record for the maximum number of voters participating in an election also rests with India.

3. This statement is incorrect as there are definite provisions in our constitution which dictates the behavior of the party in power during an election. The Election Commission makes sure that the party in power does not gets to use the government machinery to make extra gains during the elections. Those who are found guilty of this face consequences like cancellation of candidature.

4. This statement is correct. Our election procedure has been devised well in theory but there are some practical flaws like failure in controlling the expenditure by the candidates even after several guidelines. The miscreants are able to affect the elections at some of the places which would require to be controlled.