GS2 · 10 marks · 150 words

The electoral process, though inclusionary in theory, has been pointed out for exclusionary tendencies in practice. Analyse, with special emphasis on role of women in India's representative electoral system.

Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2022–2024

Elections and RepresentationWomen and Gender

Syllabus: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.

How toppers approached it

From 3 of the 4 answers · about 170 words · 67% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • No separate opening2 of 3
  • A quotation1 of 3

Body

  • Points and prose2 of 3
  • Points1 of 3

Close

  • A way forward3 of 3

The toppers’ answers

Aayushi BansalAIR 7 · CSE 2024 · 164 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Electoral process involves nomination, preparation of electoral rolls, voting, counting of votes & declaration of result. [Art 324 - Election Commission controls electoral process]

Inclusionary in theory

Body · points and prose

  1. Art 325, 326 for universal franchise (removal of no one in electoral rolls on basis of caste, race, language, sex) & universal adult franchise respectively
  2. Public offices open for all (subject to qualification & disqualification)
  3. Special initiatives → Postal voting (service voters), integration of Aadhar
  4. Role of women: 73rd & 74th Constitutional amendment → 33% reservation for women in local bodies.

Exclusionary in practice

  1. Money, muscle power candidates higher chances to win (ADR) → excludes a level playing field due to FPTP.
  2. Migrants → unable to vote in other constituency.
  3. High urban voter apathy (ECI in Himachal, Gujarat elections)
  4. Role of women [exclusionary]
Diagram
- Role of women [exclusionary] - stereotyped as lacking leadership - 'Sarpanch Pati' (local bodies) - ~14% in Parliament - no women reservation in central state legislature

Close · a way forward

ECI implements SVEEP (voter awareness), NCW → 'She is a Changemaker' (women leadership & Parliamentary standing Committee recommends women capacity building to make election truly inclusive.

More on Elections and Representation

The Representation of People's Act, electoral reform and political funding.

All GS2 questions on Elections and Representation