Question

Each of these statements contains a democratic and undemocratic element. Write out the two separately for each statement. a) A minister said that some laws have to be passed by the parliament in order to conform to the regulations decided by the World Trade Organisation (WTO). b) The Election Commission ordered re-polling in a constituency where large-scale rigging was reported. c) Women’s representation in parliament has barely reached 10 percent. This led women’s organizations to demand one-third of the seats for women.

Answer 1

(A)

• When the Minister says that laws have to be passed by the Parliament then it is democratic.
• Passing laws to conform to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) is not democratic.
• The lawmakers are elected by the people of the country and not by external agencies. Hence, they should first give priority to the needs and requirements of the country’s citizens.
• The Minister has to keep in mind whether the WTO requirements are infringing the rights and needs of the people.
• The Minister is answerable to the people, to the voters, and not to the WTO.

(B)

• Election Commission ordering repolling is democratic.
• Large-scale rigging of elections is undemocratic.
• If there are lapses on the part of the administration or Government, the EC can reprimand them.
• Very few election commissions in the world have such wide-ranging powers as the Election Commission of India.
• The decisions on the announcement of elections, the control and conduct of elections, and the declaration of election results are taken by the Election Commission.
• The Government does not have control over the government officials on election duty, instead, they will be under the control of the EC.
• If any party or candidate violates the code of conduct, then they will be punished.
• To prevent the misuse of powers by the incumbent Government, the EC will provide guidelines during the elections and thereby prevent the transfer of officials or enhance the chances of the incumbent Government winning the elections.

(C)

• Representation of women barely reaching 10 percent is not democratic.
• Women demand one-third representation, which is not undemocratic.