Describe the steps involved in Election.

Describe the steps involved in Election.

Ans.

The process of election in India runs through the following stages :

(i) It begins with the notification by the President calling upon the people to elect their representatives to constitute a new Lok Sabha and the Governor for an Assembly election.

(ii) Once the notification is issued, the Election Commission announces the election schedule.

(iii) The different political parties choose their candidates keeping in mind their prospects of winning the elections.

(iv) After being nominated, the candidates of different parties file their nomination papers with the Returning Officer of their constituency. The Returning Officer scrutinises all nomination papers. At this stage he can reject nominations. The candidates can also withdraw their names upto a certain date. After this a final list is prepared, symbols arc allotted and ballot papers arc printed.

(v) The different parties declare their election manifestos and start compaigning to persuade the voters to vote for them. Campaigning includes, meetings, speeches, processions and house to house canvassing. Campaigning stops 48 hours before polling begins.

(vi) All adult citizens cast their votes through secret ballot on the date fixed for polling. After the voting is over, the ballot boxes are sealed and taken to the counting centres. After the votes are counted, the result is declared.

(vii) If any candidate is not satisfied with the election results, he can appeal to the High Court or Supreme Court. In case of booth capturing or if any other malpractice is reported a re-election may be ordered by the Election Commission.