Periodical elections are an essential feature of parliamentary democracy.
The Representation of People Act, 1950 provides for qualification of voters and preparation of electoral rolls. The Representation of People Act, 1951 deals in details with subjects like administrative machinery for conducting elections and by-elections. The basic features of the Indian electoral system are
adult suffrage
based on geographical representation
single-member territorial constituency
election of single representative per territorial constituency by a simple majority vote
For the conduct of free, fair and impartial elections, the Constitution provides for an independent body in the form of Election Commission. The Election Commission consists of the Chief Election Commissioner along with other Commissioners as the President may determine. The Election Commission prepares electoral rolls for the elections to the Parliament, state legislatures as well as local bodies. Further, it is also the Commission’s responsibility to supervise, direct and control elections of President, Vice-president, Parliament and State legislatures. It also lays down general rules for elections and issues notification of dates and schedules of election and ensures security of nomination papers and determines the code of conduct to be observed by political parties and the candidates at the time of the election.
