In a Democracy, people's participation is very important. People, participate to elect their representatives by voting in elections. Discussing the working of the government, public debates, newspaper’s editorials, protest demonstrations, public meetings working for a political party and standing as a candidate are all examples of people's participation.
Public Opinion
It is not the unanimous opinion of the people nor it is the opinion of majority. It is an organised and well-considered opinion of the people on any issue of public interest. Public opinion has following characteristics:
- It is an aggregate of views
- It is based on reason
- It aims at the welfare of the whole community
- It influences the decisions of the government, functioning of political parties and running of administration
Importance of public opinion
Public opinion plays a very important role in a democratic system.
- An alert and free public opinion is a check on absolute power of the government
- It motivates the government to be responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people
- Public opinion influences the government to make laws in the interest of the people
- It strengthens democratic values and norms
- It protects rights, freedom and liberty
Various agencies to form and express the opinion
- Print Media
- Electronic Media
- Political Parties
- Legislatures
- Educational Institutions
- Elections
Elections
Elections facilitate peaceful transfer of power from one political party or one group of political parties to another.
Type of Elections
In India, there are direct and indirect elections.
Direct elections: People poll directly through their ballot to elect their representatives to various legislative bodies. Such elections are for Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and Local Government bodies.
Indirect elections: Elected representatives of the people vote to elect persons for certain positions. The President of India, the Vice President of India and members of Rajya Sabha are elected through this method.
Elections in India are divided in three categories:
- General Election
- Mid-term Election
- Bye Election
Election Commission of India
In India, the task of conducting elections has been entrusted to an impartial constitutional authority known as the Election Commission of India. It is a constitutional body. At present Election Commission has one Chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners, who are appointed by the President of India.
Functions of the Election Commission
- Ensures free and fair elections
- Prepares the electoral rolls
- Provides recognition to political parties
- Allots symbols to different political parties
- Issues guidelines and code of conduct for the election officials
- Redressal of election complaints
- Conducting election, appointing the electoral officials, counting of votes and announcing the results
Electoral Process in India
It is a long process and passes through various stages. Delimitation of constituencies, preparation of electoral rolls, notification of the election, election schedule, allotment of election symbols, repoll or if necessary, countermanding of election, counting of votes and announcement of the result are some of the major functions of the Election Commission.
Participation through elections depend on the right to vote. Who is eligible to vote in India? The Constitution of India has granted Universal Adult Franchise which means that all adults who have attained the age of 18 year have a right to vote without any discrimination.