Q9 of 10 Page 75

A former Chief Election Commissioner joined a political party and contested elections. There are various views on this issue. One view is that a former Election Commissioner is an independent citizen and has a right to join any political party and to contest election. According to the other view, leaving this possibility open can affect the impartiality of the Election Commission. So, former Election Commissioners must not be allowed to contest any elections. Which position do you agree with and why?

The election commissioner should not contest elections after they leave office. In article 324 of the Indian constitution, there is a provision for election commission, responsible to conduct the elections of the union parliament, the state legislative assembly, the president and the vice president. Election commissioner is a constitutional body that requires higher integrity to insure impartial conduct. The election commission is an independent and unbiased agency to conduct the free and fair election in the country. Former election commissioner must not be allowed to contest any election because it can affect the impartiality of the election commission. Any future prospect of the involvement of a constitutional official like the election commissioner in electoral politics would seriously compromise the integrity and impartiality of the one institution that is the cornerstone of the democratic convention of the country. Such a situation would be unhealthy for the polity in the long term as it would be exposed to electoral malpractices at the highest level.


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6

Which of the following statements are incorrect? Identify and correct them by substituting, adding or rearranging only one word or phrase.

A. FPTP system is followed for all the elections in India.


B. Election Commission does not supervise Panchayat and Municipal elections.


C. President of India cannot remove an Election Commissioner.


D. Appointment of more than one Election Commissioners in the Election Commission is mandatory.

 7

Indian electoral system aims at ensuring representation of socially disadvantaged sections. However, we are yet to have even 10 per cent women members in our legislatures. What measures would you suggest to improve the situation?

 8

Here are some wishes expressed in a conference to discuss a constitution for a new country. Write against each of these whether FPTP or Proportional Representation system is more suited to meet each of these wishes.

A. People should clearly know who their representative is so that they can hold him or her personally accountable.


B. We have small linguistic minorities who are spread all over the country; we should ensure fair representation to them.


C. There should be no discrepancy between votes and seats for different parties.


D. People should be able to elect a good candidate even if they do not like his or her political party.

 10

“Indian democracy is now ready to shift from crude First past the Post system to a system of Proportional Representation”. Do you agree with this statement? Give your reasons for or against this statement.