Independent Election Commission

Q.

Here are some reports of electoral malpractices from different parts of the world. Is there anything that these countries can learn from India to improve their elections? What would you suggest in each case?

(a) During an election in Nigeria, the officer in charge of counting votes deliberately increased the votes of one candidate and declared him elected. The court later found out that more than five lakh votes cast for one candidate were counted in favour of another.

(b) Just before elections in Fiji, a pamphlet was distributed warning voters that a vote for former Prime Minisiter, Mahendra Chaudhry will lead to bloodshed. This was a threat to voters of India origin.

(c) In the US, each state has its own method of voting, its own procedure of counting and its own authority for conducting elections. Authorities in the state of Florida took many controversial decisions that favoured Mr. Bush in the presidential elections in 2000. But no one could change those decisions.

Q. Which of the following can order a repoll in case of electoral fraud or malpractice?

1. The President
2. The Prime Minister
3. The Election Commission
4. The Law Minister

Q. Which of the following is not the responsibility of the Election Commission?

1. Selecting candidates to compete in elections.
2. Drawing up the Voters list.
3. Preparing the schedule for elections.
4. Resolving disputes during an election.

Q. Which of the following statements are true with reference to 'rigging'?

1. It is another term for the voter registration process in a General Election
2. It is a practice where supporters of a candidate stuff ballot boxes with papers stamped in the candidate’s favour.
3. Rigging is an essential part of the electoral process, and must be upheld as a valuable act
4. Rigging violates the principles of free and fair elections in a democracy

Q.

Here are some reports of electoral malpractices from different parts of the world. Is there anything that these countries can learn from India to improve their elections? What would you suggest in each case?

(a) During an election in Nigeria, the officer in charge of counting votes deliberately increased the votes of one candidate and declared him elected. The court later found out that more than five lakh votes cast for one candidate were counted in favour of another.

(b) Just before elections in Fiji, a pamphlet was distributed warning voters that a vote for former Prime Minisiter, Mahendra Chaudhry will lead to bloodshed. This was a threat to voters of India origin.

(c) In the US, each state has its own method of voting, its own procedure of counting and its own authority for conducting elections. Authorities in the state of Florida took many controversial decisions that favoured Mr. Bush in the presidential elections in 2000. But no one could change those decisions.