To what extent do you agree with the use of term "proportional representation" in presidential election? Critically discuss giving reference to Constituent Assembly debates.

July 16, 2022 February 22, 2024

The use of term “proportional election” with respect to election of President in India is flawed primarily because there can be no proportion unless there are at least two seats to be filled. Use of this term and also its significance was questioned in absence of multi-member constituency in the Constituent Assembly. In fact, this system should be called preferential or alternative vote system. Also, according to the Election Rule 1952, the method prescribed for election of president is called alternative vote.

Topics: GS-II: Salient Features of the Representation of Peoples Act

« Previous QuestionNext Question »

Related Questions

1. With reference to the recent Election Commission’s strategy to encourage voting by tracking electoral participation, examine the issue of compulsory voting. What can be done to encourage voters’ participation without compromising voter rights?

2. Few key reforms are needed in the Representation of Peoples Act to make electoral system of India robust and fair. Discuss in the context of contemporary issues.

3. The Anti-Defection Law (ADL) has been violated and misinterpreted time and again. Suggest measures to strengthen the Anti-Defection Law.

4. Despite various laws to prevent criminalization of politics in India, the entry of people with criminal antecedents in politics is still prevalent. In the light of several judicial pronouncements related to this, suggest some remedial measures.

5. Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy and to ensure it, an Election commission free from any political pressure is of paramount importance. In this context, discuss the need to have a relook at the process of appointment and removal of election commissioners to the ECI.

6. Highlight the institutional challenges faced by the Election Commission of India in dealing with the use of money and muscle power in electoral politics and ensuring free and fair elections.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.