Question

‘Elections are foundational to any democracy in the world.’ ​
In the context of the above statement, answer the following questions:​

1. Define elections.​
2. Briefly discuss the different types of elections held in India.

Answer 1

Solution:
An election is a formal decision-making process by which people choose their representatives to hold public office by voting. According to the universal adult franchise, Indian citizens aged 18 or above can vote regardless of their caste, creed, religion, gender, socio-economic status, and choose their political representatives to hold power and form the government.

Types of elections in India:

• General elections: Held every five years​ to elect the members of the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies.
• Mid-term elections: Held if the central or a state government loses the majority or the house gets dissolved before the completion of 5 year term.
• By-Elections: Elections held to fill the vacancy caused by the death or resignation of a member.