5.2 Elections: Electoral System and Reforms – Pressure Groups


SIMPLY SMART

Introduction

Elections form the foundation of democracy in India.
They allow people to choose their representatives and hold the government accountable.
India uses a well-established electoral system and the Election Commission ensures free and fair elections.
Pressure groups also play a major role by influencing public opinion and policy-making.

1. Electoral System in India

The electoral system refers to the method by which votes are converted into seats in the Parliament and State Legislatures.

India follows the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system for most elections.

1.1 Key Features of the Electoral System

1. First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) System

  • The candidate who gets the highest number of votes wins, even if the margin is small.

  • Used for Lok Sabha, State Assemblies, and most local elections.

2. Universal Adult Franchise

  • Every citizen aged 18 years or above has the right to vote, regardless of caste, gender, religion, or wealth.

3. Single-Member Constituencies

  • Each constituency elects one representative.

4. Secret Ballot System

  • Voters cast votes secretly to ensure independence and prevent intimidation.

5. Multi-Party Elections

  • Elections are contested by many political parties at national and regional levels.

6. Role of Election Commission of India (ECI)

  • Conducts elections

  • Prepares electoral rolls

  • Allots symbols

  • Supervises political parties

  • Ensures free and fair voting

Keyword: Electoral System in India

2. Electoral Reforms in India

Electoral reforms refer to changes introduced to make the electoral process transparent, fair, and efficient.

Reforms introduced by the Government, Parliament, Judiciary, and Election Commission include:

2.1 Legal and Constitutional Reforms

1. Lowering Voting Age

  • 61st Constitutional Amendment (1988) reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years.

2. Anti-Defection Law (52nd Amendment, 1985)

  • Prevents MLAs and MPs from switching parties for political gain.

3. VVPAT and EVM

  • Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail ensures transparency.

4. Limiting Election Expenditure

  • ECI sets strict limits on how much candidates can spend.

5. Right to Information About Candidates

  • Supreme Court ordered candidates to disclose:

    • Criminal records

    • Assets & liabilities

    • Educational qualifications

6. NOTA (None of the Above, 2013)

  • Voters can reject all candidates on the ballot.

7. Disqualification of Criminal Candidates

  • Court orders disqualification in case of serious offences.

2.2 Election Commission Reforms

  1. Use of photo voter ID (EPIC).

  2. Strict monitoring of polling booths through cameras.

  3. Model Code of Conduct to ensure fairness during campaigns.

  4. Special measures to stop vote-buying.

  5. Online voter registration system.

2.3 Suggested Future Reforms

  1. State funding of elections

  2. Ban on criminal candidates

  3. Strengthening anti-defection law

  4. Regulating social media and digital campaigning

  5. Inner-party democracy within political parties

Keyword: Electoral Reforms in India

3. Pressure Groups

Pressure groups are organized groups that try to influence government policies without seeking political power directly.

They are also called interest groups, lobby groups, or advocacy groups.

3.1 Types of Pressure Groups

1. Business Groups

  • FICCI

  • CII

  • ASSOCHAM

2. Labour Groups

  • INTUC

  • AITUC

  • CITU

3. Farmer Groups

  • Bharatiya Kisan Union

  • Shetkari Sanghatana

4. Student Groups

  • NSUI

  • ABVP

5. Professional Groups

  • Bar Associations

  • Medical Associations

6. Caste/Community Groups

  • Dalit groups

  • Linguistic groups

7. Environmental Groups

  • Greenpeace India

  • Centre for Science and Environment

Keyword: Types of Pressure Groups in India

3.2 Functions of Pressure Groups

  1. Influence government policies

  2. Represent specific interests (farmers, workers, students)

  3. Spread political awareness

  4. Act as watchdogs on government actions

  5. Provide expert advice to lawmakers

  6. Organize protests, campaigns, and petitions

  7. Influence election outcomes indirectly

Keyword: Functions of Pressure Groups

3.3 Methods Used by Pressure Groups

  1. Lobbying with ministers and officials

  2. Organising strikes, rallies, dharnas

  3. Filing PILs in courts

  4. Creating public opinion through media

  5. Working with political parties

  6. Using social media campaigns

Conclusion

India’s electoral system ensures democratic participation, while continuous electoral reforms strengthen transparency and fairness in elections.
Similarly, pressure groups play a crucial role by influencing government decisions, representing public interests, and contributing to democratic accountability.
Together, elections and pressure groups ensure that India remains a vibrant, participatory, and responsible democracy.



— End of Article | Aivette-COI (Constitution of India by Aivette)

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