Election Candidate Eligibility

Questions and Answers

What is the minimum age requirement to be a candidate in an election in the country described in the text?

25 years old

What is the minimum age requirement to vote in the country described in the text?

18 years old

What is the purpose of the 'security deposit' required from candidates in the country described in the text?

To discourage frivolous candidacies.

Why does the text argue that an educational qualification requirement for candidates would go against the spirit of democracy?

It would prevent most citizens from being able to contest elections. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the text argue that educational qualifications should not be mandatory for candidates?

It is the right of the people to decide the importance of a candidate’s education. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name for the party's nomination of a candidate in the country described in the text?

Party ‘ticket’ Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the pledge that citizens of India are encouraged to take on National Voters' Day?

National Voters' Day (NVD) Pledge Signup and view all the answers

What is the website address provided in the text for information on the SVEEP program?

<a href="http://ecisveep.nic.in">http://ecisveep.nic.in</a> Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the organization that holds the tableau parade on Republic Day in New Delhi?

Election Commission of India Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the club mentioned in the text that promotes electoral literacy in schools?

Electoral Literacy Club (ELC) Signup and view all the answers

What is the date on which National Voters' Day is celebrated?

25th January Signup and view all the answers

What are the factors mentioned in the NVD Pledge that should not influence a voter's decision?

Religion, race, caste, community, language, or any inducement Signup and view all the answers

What does voter turnout indicate in an election process?

Voter turnout indicates the percentage of eligible voters who actually cast their vote. Signup and view all the answers

How has voter turnout in the UK changed from 1991 to 2015?

Voter turnout in the UK has declined from 78% in 1991 to 66% in 2015. Signup and view all the answers

What has been the trend in voter turnout in India over the last fifty years?

In India, voter turnout has either remained stable or actually gone up. Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic groups in India tend to vote in larger proportions?

The poor, illiterate, and underprivileged people vote in larger proportions in India. Signup and view all the answers

Why might people stop participating in elections?

People may stop participating in elections if the process is not free or fair. Signup and view all the answers

What observation can be made regarding the interest of voters in election-related activities in India?

The interest of voters in election-related activities has been increasing over the years. Signup and view all the answers

In which year did India have a voter turnout of 78%?

India had a voter turnout of 78% in 2015. Signup and view all the answers

What does a decline in voter turnout suggest about an election?

A decline in voter turnout suggests a possible lack of public enthusiasm or trust in the election process. Signup and view all the answers

Is it fair for a minister to flag off a new train in his constituency a week before polling day?

No, it is unfair as it uses government resources to gain electoral advantage. Signup and view all the answers

What makes it fair when a candidate promises to get a new train if elected?

It is fair because it is a promise made for future action and does not misuse current resources. Signup and view all the answers

Is it fair for supporters to take voters to a temple to make them pledge their vote?

No, it is unfair as it may exert undue influence on the voters. Signup and view all the answers

How does distributing blankets to slum dwellers in exchange for votes reflect electoral fairness?

It is unfair as it incentivizes voting behavior with material rewards. Signup and view all the answers

What role does the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) play in ensuring fair elections?

The CEC oversees the election process and ensures its integrity. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the appointment of the CEC by the President significant?

It is significant because it aims to maintain a level of independence from political pressures. Signup and view all the answers

What is one example of an unfair electoral practice related to voter lists?

Inclusion of false names and exclusion of genuine names in the voters' list. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it difficult to remove the CEC once appointed?

It is difficult because the CEC operates independently and is not answerable to the government. Signup and view all the answers

Does the fact that the 16th Lok Sabha has 12 percent women members reflect a strength or weakness of the electoral system?

It reflects a weakness of the electoral system. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Election Commission's independence in dismissing government advice about election timing reflect on the electoral system's strength?

It reflects a strength of the electoral system. Signup and view all the answers

What does the presence of over 440 members in the 16th Lok Sabha with assets exceeding Rs.1 crore indicate regarding the electoral system?

It indicates a weakness of the electoral system. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Chief Minister's respect for the people's verdict after losing the election indicate about electoral politics?

It indicates a strength of electoral politics. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Code of Conduct serve to strengthen the electoral system during elections?

It maintains fairness and integrity among candidates and parties. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does having incumbents in elections impact the perception of the electoral system?

It can lead to perceptions of weakness in fairness. Signup and view all the answers

What challenges does rigging pose to the integrity of the electoral system?

It severely undermines the fairness of elections. Signup and view all the answers

Why is voter turnout important in assessing the strength of an electoral system?

High turnout indicates a strong engagement with the democratic process. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Electoral Politics

A candidate must be at least 25 years old to contest an election, while the minimum age to be a voter is 18 years old.
There are restrictions on criminals and others in extreme cases.
Political parties nominate their candidates who get the party symbol and support, also known as the party 'ticket'.
Every person who wishes to contest an election must fill a 'nomination form' and give some money as 'security deposit'.

Features of Electoral System

The minimum age requirement for a candidate is 25 years, which is higher than the minimum age to be a voter, which is 18 years.
There are restrictions on criminals and others in extreme cases.
Education is not a necessary qualification to contest elections, as it would go against the spirit of democracy and deprive a majority of the country's citizens the right to contest elections.

Electoral Practices

Unfair electoral practices include:
- Inclusion of false names and exclusion of genuine names in the voters' list.
- Misuse of government facilities.
- Distribution of gifts in return for votes.
- Taking voters to a temple and making them take an oath to vote for a candidate.
The Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India, but is not answerable to the President or the government.

What Makes Elections Democratic?

People's participation in elections, measured by voter turnout figures, is an indicator of the quality of the election process.
If the election process is not free or fair, people will not participate in it with enthusiasm.
In India, the turnout has either remained stable or actually gone up over the last fifty years, unlike in Europe and North America where it has declined.

Voter Turnout

Voter turnout in India has remained stable or increased over the years, with a higher participation of poor, illiterate, and underprivileged people.
This reflects the strength of the electoral system.

Code of Conduct and Electoral Terms

Code of Conduct: A set of norms and guidelines to be followed by political parties and contesting candidates during election time.
Constituency: Voters in a geographical area who elect a representative to the legislative bodies.
Incumbent: The current holder of a political office.
Level playing field: Condition in which all parties and candidates contesting in an election have equal opportunities to appeal for votes and to carry out election campaign.
Rigging: Fraud and malpractices indulged by a party or candidate to increase its votes.
Turnout: The percentage of eligible voters who cast their votes in an election.

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Description

This quiz covers the eligibility criteria for candidates in an election, including age, education, and criminal history.