<–2/”>a >Political Parties are an established part of modern mass Democracy, and the conduct of Elections in India is largely dependent on the behaviour of political parties. Although many candidates for Indian elections are independent, the winning candidates for Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections usually stand as members of political parties, and opinion polls suggest that people tend to vote for a party rather than a particular candidate. Parties offer candidates organisational support, and by offering a broader election campaign, looking at the record of government and putting forward alternative proposals for government, help voters make a choice about how the government is run.
Registration with Election Commission
Political parties have to be registered with the Election Commission. The Commission determines whether the party is structured and committed to principles of democracy, Secularism-2/”>Secularism and Socialism in accordance with the Indian Constitution and would uphold the Sovereignty, unity and Integrity of India. Parties are expected to hold organisational elections and have a Written Constitution.
Recognition and Reservation of Symbols
According to certain criteria, set by the Election Commission regarding the length of political activity and success in elections, parties are categorised by the Commission as National or State parties, or simply declared registered-unrecognised parties. How a party is classified determines a party’s right to certain privileges, such as access to electoral rolls and provision of time for political broadcasts on the state-owned television and radio stations – All India Radio and Doordarshan – and also the important question of the allocation of the party symbol. Party symbols enable illiterate voters to identify the candidate of the party they wish to vote for. National parties are given a symbol that is for their use only, throughout the country. State parties have the sole use of a symbol in the state in which they are recognised as such Registered-unrecognised parties can choose a symbol from a selection of ‘free’ symbols.
Limit on poll expenses
There are tight legal limits on the amount of Money a candidate can spend during the election campaign. Since December 1997, in most Lok Sabha constituencies the limit was Rs 15,00,000/-, although in some States the limit is Rs 6,00,000/- (for Vidhan Sabha elections the highest limit is Rs 6,00,000/-, the lowest Rs 3,00,000/-). Recent amendment in October 2003 has increased these limits. For Lok Sabha seats in bigger states, it is now Rs 25,00,000. In other states and Union Territories, it varies between Rs 10,00,000 to Rs 25,00,000. Similarly, for Assembly seats, in bigger states, it is now Rs 10,00,000, while in other states and Union Territories, it varies between Rs 5,00,000 to Rs 10,00,000. Although supporters of a candidate can spend as much as they like to help out with a campaign, they have to get written permission of the candidate, and whilst parties are allowed to spend as much money on campaigns as they want, recent Supreme Court judgments have said that, unless a political party can specifically account for money spent during the campaign, it will consider any activities as being funded by the candidates and counting towards their election expenses. The accountability imposed on the candidates and parties has curtailed some of the more extravagant campaigning that was previously a part of Indian elections.
Free Campaign time on state owned electronic media
By Election Commission, all recognised National and State parties have been allowed free access to the state owned electronic media-AIR and Doordarshan- on an extensive scale for their campaigns during elections. The total free time allocated extends over 122 hours on the state owned Television and Radio channels. This is allocated equitably by combining a base limit and additional time linked to poll performance of the party in recent election.
Splits and mergers and anti-defection law
Splits, mergers and alliances have frequently disrupted the compositions of political parties. This has led to a number of disputes over which section of a divided party gets to keep the party symbol, and how to classify the resulting parties in terms of national and state parties. The Election Commission has to resolve these disputes, although its decisions can be challenged in the courts.
Election Petitions
Any elector or candidate can file an Election Petition if he or she thinks there has been malpractice during the election. An election petition is not an ordinary civil suit, but treated as a contest in which the whole constituency is involved. Election petitions are tried by the High Court of the State involved, and if upheld can even lead to the restaging of the election in that constituency.
Supervising Elections, Election Observers
The Election Commission appoints a large number of Observers to ensure that the campaign is conducted fairly, and that people are free to vote as they choose. Election expenditure Observers keeps a check on the amount that each candidate and party spends on the election.
Counting of Votes
After the polling has finished, the votes are counted under the supervision of Returning Officers and Observers appointed by the Election Commission. After the counting of votes is over, the Returning Officer declares the name of the candidate to whom the largest number of votes have been given as the winner, and as having been returned by the constituency to the concerned house.
Media Coverage
In order to bring as much transparency as possible to the electoral process, the media are encouraged and provided with facilities to cover the election, although subject to maintaining the secrecy of the vote. Media persons are given special passes to enter polling stations to cover the poll process and the counting halls during the actual counting of votes.
Voting Behaviour
Voting is one of the most commonly used terms in contemporary age of democratic politics. The ever increasing popularity of democratic theory and practices has even made this term a household name. In democratic systems, and their number is quite large and ever increasing, each adult citizen uses ‘voting’ as a means for expressing his approval or disapproval of governmental decisions, policies and programmers of various political parties and the qualities of the candidates who are engaged in the struggle to get the status of being the representatives of the people. The study of determinants of electoral behaviour constitutes a very significant area of empirical investigation. Man is a rational creature in the philosophical sense of term; he is not so rational in the Realms of his economic or political behaviour. An empirical study of the determinants of electoral behaviour displays the astounding fact that the behaviour of man is influenced by several irrational factors and pressure groups in invoking religius and communal factors, influence of money or charismatic Personality of a leader and host of other irrational forces have their definite influence on the minds of the voters. The main purpose of the present study is to focus attention on voting behaviour in India and to highlight the factors that determine the voting behaviour in India.
In India, studies on voting behaviour had been mainly undertaken under the auspices of Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). Nowadays, however, such studies are done by many governmental institutions (e.g., Institutes of Developmental Studies) and private agencies such as ORG, Chanakya, etc.
It is generally held that in national/state elections only nearly half of the electorate bothers to vote. A large segment of voters do not vote. This fact is often noted and lamented. But there are social scientists like E.M. Lipset (1960) who argue that a low turnout of voters aids the democratic process.
It indicates that there is a general argument on social matters and that people are confident that the outcome of an election will not disturb. A high turnout (as in the case of elections held after emergency), in contrast, is viewed as indicating a high level of conflict that threatens social stability and a possible breakdown of the democratic process.
But other social scientists view this differently. They see the alienated voters as apathetic who do not find elections a solution to the problems that most concern them. For them the present party system offers too little choice, too little change from the status quo.
They feel that almost all parties are guided by their self-interests and not by the interests of common man. People, who are apathetic towards voting, feel they are without power. Directly or indirectly, this feeling is responsible for the low or decreased participation of the citizens in the elections.
The important determinants of voting are social class, occupation, race, ethnicity, age, gender etc. But, in India, generally, voters cast their vote on religion, caste or party lines. Party loyalty is based primarily on emotional basis.
Most people are not well informed about political issues and do not choose a party on the basis of political opinions. Rather they support a party for traditional or emotional reasons—perhaps because their families have always supported that party—and they are then guided by the party’s stand on the issues. In other words, voters are socialized by the political parties to view political issues in a certain way.
Since independence, not only the level of political awareness is constantly rising among all segments of Population, the level of identification with political parties or leaders is also increasing. The other factors that play an important part in deciding voting behaviour in India are community, religion and money.
[su_heading]Coalition Politics[/su_heading]
Coalition Government is a cabinet of a parliamentary government in which several parties cooperate. Coalition governments are usually formed as no party can individually achieve a majority in the parliament. However, a coalition government may also be created in a time of national difficulty or crisis. If a coalition collapses, a confidence vote is held or a motion of no confidence is taken.
The 1967 elections also initiated the dual era of short-lived coalition govemments and politics of defection. However, the elections broke Congress’s monopoly of power in the states. Congress was replaced not by a single party in any of the states but by a multiplicity of parties and groups and independents. Coalition governments were formed in all opposition-ruled states except in Tamil Nadu. In Punjab, Bihar and U.P., opposition governments included Swatantra, Jan Sangh, BKD, Socialists and CPI. Though CPM did not join these governments, it, too, actively supported them.
Congress too formed coalition governments in some of the states where it had been reduced to a minority, allying with independents and breakaway groups from the opposition parties. Except the DMK government in Tamil Naau and the Swatantra-led government in Orissa, the coalition governments in all the other states, whether formed by Congress or the opposition, proved to be highly unstable and could not stay in power for long. All the coalition governments suffered from constant tensions and internal strains because of the heterogeneity of the partners. These governments would get formed, break up as a result of changing loyalties of MLAs and then are re-formed again.
Parties, including Congress, would topple existing governments, change partners and form new governments. In between governments, a state would sometimes undergo a period of President’s Rule or even mid-term polls, which seldom changed the pattern of seats in the assembly. Thus, from the 1967 general elections to the end of 1970, Bihar had seven governments, U.P. four, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and West Bengal three each and Kerala two governmental changes, with a total of eight spells of President’s Rule in the seven states.
The other important feature of the coalition governments of the period was the beginning of the politics of defection. Many of the governmental changes in the northern states were the result of defections or floor crossings by individual legislators, both party members and independents. Corrupt legislators indulged in horse-trading and freely changed sides, attracted mainly by lure of office or money. In Haryana, where the defection phenomenon was first initiated, defecting legislators began to be called Ay a Ram and Goya Ram (in-coming Ram and out-going Ram). Consequently, except in the case of the two Communist parties and Jan Sangh, party discipline tended to break down. Between 1967 and 1970, nearly 800 assembly members crossed the floor, and nearly 155 of them were rewarded with ministerial offices.
[su_heading]Role and Functions of Regional Political Parties[/su_heading]
In mid 1970s, sub-regional cultures started at the state level. It was difficult for Congress to take care of all provinces and their local issues, as different issues of local nature had begun to raise their heads. For the common masses, their local leaders were very closer to them than the national leaders, and their local leaders were more concerned with local issues than the national. The number of Regional Parties is much larger than the national parties and some of the States are being ruled by the regional parties, viz., Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir etc.
Regionalism made its appearance as a reaction against the efforts of the national government to impose a particular ideology, language or cultural pattern on all people and groups. Thus the States of South have resisted imposition of Hindi as Official Language because they feared this would lead to dominance of the North. Similarly, in Assam anti-foreigner movement was launched by the Assamese to preserve their own culture.
The regional parties in many states started making suggestions for re-structuring of centre-State relations so as to ensure greater autonomy of state. The demand for more autonomy of the state may be caused out of discriminatory role of the Governor in the dismissal of Chief Ministers, reservation of Bills for consideration of the President, demand for repealing certain laws, dismissal of State Governments under ARTICLE 356, non-implementation of Central Laws, deployment of CRP, use of Services-2/”>All India Services by the Centre, alleged discrimination against states in allocation of Central projects, allocation of food grains, discrimination in grants and loans, appointment of Inquiry Commissions and CBI against Chief Ministers.
All over the world, the political processes have ascended out of social Environment. Tribes, clans, castes, classes have existed around a social organization. economy, Polity, religion, family and kinship networks have operated under a social structure. Famous philosopher asserted that man is a political animal. He had in mind the social element. When elaborating the Society/”>Indian Society, it is multi-ethnic as well as multi-religious. Indian religions are pantheistic in which the nature is visualized as a manifestation of theology. There is an immense significance of Politics in India such as to run the country more efficiently, to manage the country with good rules and norms, to look in the internal affairs about the development of the country, to represent the country to the outside world, to issue different policies for the country.,
Political parties are organizations that seek to influence government policy by nominating and supporting candidates for office, and by shaping public opinion. They are a key part of the democratic process, and play a vital role in representing the interests of different groups of people.
Political parties vary in their ideology, platform, Leadership, membership, finances, organization, strategy, tactics, image, relations with other parties, relations with the media, relations with the public, relations with the government, relations with other institutions, history, and future.
Party ideology
The ideology of a political party is its set of beliefs about the role of government and the best way to organize society. Some common ideologies include liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and Communism.
Party platform
The platform of a political party is its set of policies and positions on issues. Platforms are typically developed by party leaders and ratified by party members at conventions.
Party leadership
The leadership of a political party is responsible for setting the party’s agenda and overseeing its operations. The party leader is typically the head of the party’s national committee, and the party’s other leaders include the chair of the party’s congressional caucuses and the party’s national spokesperson.
Party membership
The membership of a political party is made up of people who support the party’s ideology and platform. Party members typically pay dues, attend party meetings, and volunteer for party campaigns.
Party finances
Political parties raise money from a variety of sources, including individual donors, corporate donors, and labor unions. Party money is used to pay for campaign expenses, such as advertising, polling, and voter outreach.
Party organization
Political parties are organized at the national, state, and local levels. The national party organization is responsible for setting the party’s agenda and overseeing its operations. The state party organizations are responsible for recruiting candidates, running campaigns, and getting out the vote. The local party organizations are responsible for registering voters, conducting voter Education, and mobilizing voters.
Party strategy
The strategy of a political party is its plan for winning elections. Party strategists typically focus on developing a message that resonates with voters, identifying and mobilizing key constituencies, and running effective campaigns.
Party tactics
The tactics of a political party are the specific steps that it takes to achieve its goals. Party tactics can include running ads, holding rallies, and organizing protests.
Party image
The image of a political party is the way that it is perceived by the public. Party leaders work to create a positive image for their party by emphasizing its strengths and downplaying its weaknesses.
Party relations with other parties
Political parties must interact with other parties in order to govern. Party leaders must negotiate with other party leaders to pass legislation and approve budgets.
Party relations with the media
The media plays an important role in shaping public opinion. Political parties must work to build relationships with the media in order to get their message out to the public.
Party relations with the public
Political parties must connect with the public in order to win elections. Party leaders must develop messages that resonate with voters and mobilize them to vote.
Party relations with the government
Political parties must work with the government in order to achieve their goals. Party leaders must lobby government officials and work to pass legislation that supports their party’s agenda.
Party relations with other institutions
Political parties must interact with other institutions, such as the courts and the business community, in order to achieve their goals. Party leaders must build relationships with these institutions in order to get their support.
Party history
Political parties have a long and complex history. The first political parties were formed in the 17th century, and they have played a vital role in the development of democracy.
Party future
Political parties are facing a number of challenges in the 21st century. These challenges include the rise of Social Media, the decline of party membership, and the increasing polarization of the electorate. Political parties must adapt to these challenges in order to remain relevant in the 21st century.
What is a political party?
A political party is a group of people who share a common ideology and who work together to achieve political power.
What are the different types of political parties?
There are many different types of political parties, but some of the most common include:
- Conservative parties: Conservative parties typically support traditional values and institutions, and they often oppose change.
- Liberal parties: Liberal parties typically support individual rights and freedoms, and they often advocate for social and economic change.
- Social democratic parties: Social democratic parties typically support a Mixed Economy, with a strong role for the government in providing social welfare programs.
- Communist parties: Communist parties typically support a centrally planned economy and the abolition of private property.
- Fascist parties: Fascist parties typically support a strong central government, a militaristic Foreign Policy, and the suppression of dissent.
What are the functions of political parties?
Political parties play a number of important functions in a democracy, including:
- Organizing and mobilizing voters
- Recruiting and training candidates for office
- Developing and promoting policy positions
- Representing the interests of their constituents
- Holding the government accountable
What are the benefits of having multiple political parties?
There are a number of benefits to having multiple political parties in a democracy, including:
- It allows for a greater diversity of views to be represented in government.
- It can help to prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a single party.
- It can promote competition and innovation in government.
- It can make it more difficult for any one party to become too powerful.
What are the challenges of having multiple political parties?
There are also a number of challenges associated with having multiple political parties, including:
- It can make it more difficult for the government to pass legislation.
- It can lead to gridlock and instability in government.
- It can make it more difficult for the government to respond to crises.
- It can make it more difficult for the government to build consensus.
What is the future of political parties?
The future of political parties is uncertain. Some experts believe that the rise of social media and the decline of traditional media will lead to the decline of political parties. Others believe that political parties will adapt to the new environment and continue to play an important role in democracy.
Sure, here are some multiple choice questions about the social composition of political parties:
Which of the following is not a factor that affects the social composition of a political party?
(A) The party’s ideology
(B) The party’s platform
(C) The party’s leadership
(D) The party’s geographic locationWhich of the following is the most common way for people to become involved in a political party?
(A) By attending party meetings
(B) By volunteering for the party
(C) By donating money to the party
(D) By voting for the party’s candidatesWhich of the following is the most common way for people to leave a political party?
(A) By voting for the other party’s candidates
(B) By joining a different political party
(C) By becoming inactive in the party
(D) By leaving the countryWhich of the following is the most common reason for people to join a political party?
(A) To support the party’s ideology
(B) To support the party’s platform
(C) To support the party’s leadership
(D) To support the party’s geographic locationWhich of the following is the most common reason for people to leave a political party?
(A) To disagree with the party’s ideology
(B) To disagree with the party’s platform
(C) To disagree with the party’s leadership
(D) To disagree with the party’s geographic locationWhich of the following is the most common way for political parties to raise money?
(A) By charging membership dues
(B) By holding fundraising events
(C) By receiving donations from individuals and businesses
(D) By receiving government subsidiesWhich of the following is the most common way for political parties to spend money?
(A) On campaign advertising
(B) On voter registration and turnout efforts
(C) On salaries and benefits for party staff
(D) On party headquarters and other facilitiesWhich of the following is the most common way for political parties to communicate with their members?
(A) Through email
(B) Through social media
(C) Through direct mail
(D) Through phone callsWhich of the following is the most common way for political parties to communicate with the general public?
(A) Through television ads
(B) Through radio ads
(C) Through newspaper ads
(D) Through Internet adsWhich of the following is the most common way for political parties to recruit candidates for office?
(A) By holding candidate forums
(B) By contacting potential candidates directly
(C) By advertising for candidates
(D) By asking current officeholders to run for re-election
I hope these questions were helpful!