What is Electoral Politics?
Historical Background
Key Points
9 points- 1.
Involves candidate selection, campaign management, and voter outreach
- 2.
Political parties formulate manifestos outlining their policies and promises
- 3.
Electoral alliances are formed to consolidate votes and increase chances of winning
- 4.
Role of money and muscle power in elections is a significant concern
- 5.
Election Commission of India oversees the electoral process to ensure free and fair elections
- 6.
Use of social media and digital platforms for campaigning has increased
- 7.
Voter turnout is a key indicator of political participation
- 8.
Influence of caste, religion, and regional identities on voting behavior
- 9.
Importance of public opinion polls and media coverage in shaping electoral outcomes
Visual Insights
Key Components of Electoral Politics
Mind map showing the interconnected components of electoral politics relevant for UPSC.
Electoral Politics
- ●Electoral Systems
- ●Voter Behavior
- ●Election Commission
- ●Legal Framework
Evolution of Electoral Reforms in India
Timeline showcasing key milestones in the evolution of electoral reforms in India.
India's electoral system has evolved significantly since independence, with continuous efforts to improve transparency, fairness, and inclusivity.
- 1950Constitution Adopted: Universal Adult Suffrage
- 1951Representation of the People Act (RPA) Enacted
- 1988Voting Age Reduced to 18
- 1996EVMs Introduced
- 2013VVPAT System Introduced
- 2021The Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021 (Aadhaar linking)
- 2026Ongoing Debates on Electoral Bonds and Transparency
Recent Developments
5 developmentsIncreased use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)
Efforts to curb money laundering and illegal funding in elections
Debate on electoral reforms, including simultaneous elections and state funding of elections
Rising influence of social media and fake news on electoral campaigns
Focus on increasing voter awareness and participation, especially among marginalized communities
