Elections | NCERT | Notes | Class 9th

Why do Elections Matter?

• Elections are one of the most important processes for exercising democratic rights, and regular and periodic elections lie at the core of democracy.
• Representatives to public offices can be chosen through either direct elections or indirect elections.
• In India, members of the Lok Sabha at the central level, members of the Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) at the state level, and members of local bodies such as Panchayats and municipal corporations are elected through direct elections every five years.
• In contrast, the President, Vice President, and members of the Rajya Sabha are elected through indirect elections.
• A class representative elected in Grade 8 cannot continue as the CR in Grade 9 without facing a fresh election.
• Similarly, a government cannot continue beyond its prescribed term without seeking the people’s mandate again.
• Citizens cannot properly exercise their choice if only one political party is contesting an election.
• The answer to all these questions is No, because one of the most crucial elements of democracy is participating in the periodic election of those who will make decisions on our behalf.
• Elected representatives are accountable to the people.
• The right to elect our representatives and hold them accountable is ensured through periodic elections, and our vote is the principal means by which we exercise this right.
• An election is a process through which we exercise the right to vote and fulfil our responsibility as citizens.
• Elections ensure accountability, representation, legitimacy, and equality in a democracy.