Topic 02 of 6 · Chapter 13 · Indian Polity
Electoral System in India
Types of elections, First Past the Post system, electoral rolls, voter ID, NOTA, delimitation, and anti-defection law.
📋 In This Article
1. Types of Elections
| Type | Description | Conducted by |
|---|---|---|
| General Elections | Elections to Lok Sabha (every 5 years) | ECI |
| State Assembly Elections | Elections to State Legislative Assemblies (every 5 years) | ECI |
| By-elections | Elections to fill vacancies in Parliament or State Assemblies | ECI |
| Presidential Election | Election of President (every 5 years) | ECI |
| Vice-Presidential Election | Election of VP (every 5 years) | ECI |
| Panchayat/Municipality Elections | Elections to local bodies | State Election Commission |
2. First Past the Post System
India uses the First Past the Post (FPTP) system for elections to Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Key features:
- Each constituency elects one representative
- The candidate with the most votes wins — even if they don’t get a majority
- Simple and easy to understand
- Tends to produce stable governments
- Criticism: A party can win a majority of seats with a minority of votes
💡 Key Idea: India uses FPTP for Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. However, for Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Council elections, India uses Proportional Representation with Single Transferable Vote (PR-STV). For Presidential and VP elections, India also uses PR-STV.
3. Electoral Rolls and Voter ID
- Electoral rolls are prepared and maintained by the ECI
- Every citizen above 18 years is entitled to be registered as a voter
- Voter ID card (EPIC — Electoral Photo Identity Card) is issued by ECI
- Electoral rolls are revised periodically
- Qualifying date for registration: January 1 of the year
⭐ Exam Fact: The voting age was reduced from 21 to 18 years by the 61st Amendment (1988). This enfranchised millions of young voters.
4. NOTA (None of the Above)
NOTA (None of the Above) was introduced in Indian elections in 2013 following a Supreme Court order in People’s Union for Civil Liberties v. Union of India (2013). Key features:
- Voters can choose NOTA if they don’t want to vote for any candidate
- NOTA votes are counted but do not affect the result — the candidate with the most votes still wins
- NOTA is available in Lok Sabha, State Assembly, and Rajya Sabha elections
- NOTA is NOT available in Presidential and VP elections
5. Delimitation
Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of parliamentary and assembly constituencies. Key features:
- Done by the Delimitation Commission — a statutory body
- Based on the latest census data
- Delimitation Commission’s orders are final — cannot be challenged in any court
- Last delimitation: 2002 (based on 2001 census)
- Next delimitation: After 2026 (based on census to be conducted)
6. Anti-Defection Law (10th Schedule)
The Anti-Defection Law is contained in the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, added by the 52nd Amendment (1985). Key provisions:
- A member is disqualified if they voluntarily give up membership of their party
- A member is disqualified if they vote against party whip without permission
- Merger of parties is allowed if at least 2/3 of members agree
- Decision on disqualification is made by the Speaker/Chairman
- The 91st Amendment (2003) removed the provision for exemption in case of split (1/3 members)
✅ Remember: The Speaker’s decision on disqualification under the 10th Schedule is subject to judicial review (Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu, 1992). The SC held that the Speaker’s decision is not final — it can be reviewed by courts.
7. Key Points for Exam
🔑 Must-Remember Facts
- Lok Sabha elections: FPTP system
- Rajya Sabha elections: PR-STV system
- Voting age: 18 years (61st Amendment, 1988)
- NOTA introduced: 2013 (SC order)
- NOTA NOT available in: Presidential and VP elections
- Anti-Defection Law: 10th Schedule, 52nd Amendment (1985)
- Merger allowed: 2/3 of members agree
- Disqualification decided by: Speaker/Chairman
- Speaker’s decision: Subject to judicial review (Kihoto Hollohan, 1992)
- 91st Amendment (2003): Removed exemption for split