Election Campaign, Polling, and Counting
Follow the stages of an election from the campaign period, where parties seek support, to the polling day when votes are cast, and finally the counting of votes to declare the winner.
TL;DR:Take your students behind the headlines and into the machinery of the world's largest democracy. This topic unpacks the journey from a candidate's campaign promise to the final election result.
About This Topic
This topic delves into the operational heart of Indian democracy, aligning with the NCERT Class 9 Social Science curriculum's focus on 'Electoral Politics'. It moves beyond the theoretical concept of elections to explore the practical, step-by-step process that translates citizen choice into government formation. The first phase, 'Election Campaign', is not just about rallies and speeches; it is a regulated period governed by the Election Commission of India's (ECI) Model Code of Conduct (MCC). This is a crucial aspect for students to understand as it ensures a level playing field and prevents the misuse of power. Teachers should contextualise this by discussing how the MCC curbs practices like hate speech, misuse of government machinery, and excessive expenditure, thereby safeguarding the fairness of the election.
The second and third phases, 'Polling' and 'Counting', focus on the technological and procedural aspects of voting. The introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system has revolutionised this process. It is essential to demystify this technology for students, explaining how it ensures secrecy, speed, and accuracy. The overview should cover the journey of a vote from the moment it is cast at a polling booth, its secure storage, to the final counting process where representatives are declared elected. This entire sequence highlights the robustness of the institutional framework managed by the ECI, reinforcing student faith in the democratic process.
Key Questions
- Analyse the role of the Model Code of Conduct during election campaigns.
- Explain the procedure of polling and counting of votes using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
- Compare different methods of election campaigning used by political parties.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the sequence of events in an Indian election, from the announcement of dates to the declaration of results.
- Analyse the role and key provisions of the Model Code of Conduct in ensuring fair competition among political parties.
- Explain the procedure of casting and counting votes using EVMs and VVPATs.
- Compare and contrast traditional and modern methods of election campaigning.
- Evaluate the role of the Election Commission of India as an independent body conducting elections.
Key Vocabulary
| Constituency | A specific geographical area whose voters elect a representative to a legislative body like the Lok Sabha or a State Assembly. |
| Model Code of Conduct (MCC) | A set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India for the conduct of political parties and candidates during elections, mainly with respect to speeches, polling, portfolios, and general conduct. |
| Electoral Roll | The official list of all citizens who are eligible to vote in a particular constituency. It is also commonly known as the Voters' List. |
| Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) | An electronic device used to record votes. It consists of a control unit (with the polling officer) and a balloting unit (in the voting compartment). |
| Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) | A machine attached to the EVM that prints a paper slip with the symbol and name of the candidate voted for. This slip is visible to the voter for a few seconds to verify their vote before it is stored. |
| Polling Booth | A designated location, such as a room in a school or community hall, where voters of a particular area go to cast their votes on election day. |
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Common MisconceptionElectronic Voting Machines (EVMs) can be easily hacked or tampered with.
What to Teach Instead
EVMs are standalone machines not connected to the internet or any network, which makes remote hacking impossible. They have a one-time programmable chip, and undergo rigorous checks, randomisation, and mock polls in front of party representatives before use. The VVPAT system further allows for verification.
Common MisconceptionThe party that gets the most votes across the whole country wins the election.
What to Teach Instead
India uses a 'First Past the Post' system for Lok Sabha elections. The country is divided into 543 constituencies, and the candidate who gets the most votes in a single constituency wins that seat. The party or coalition that wins the majority of seats (272+), not necessarily the majority of total votes, forms the government.
Common MisconceptionThe Model Code of Conduct is a law passed by the Parliament.
What to Teach Instead
The Model Code of Conduct is not a law but a set of guidelines agreed upon by all political parties and enforced by the Election Commission of India. While its provisions may not have direct legal punishments, the ECI has the constitutional power to take action against violations to ensure free and fair elections.
Active Learning Ideas
See all activities→Simulation Game
Mock Election Day
Divide the class into political parties, polling officers, and voters. Parties create manifestos and campaign, after which a mock polling day is conducted using handmade ballot boxes or a simple digital tool to simulate EVMs.
Simulation Game
Campaign Material Analysis
Students collect or are given examples of real election campaign materials like posters, video clips, or social media posts. In small groups, they analyse these materials for persuasive techniques and check for any potential violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
Simulation Game
EVM and VVPAT Flowchart
Students work in pairs to create a visual flowchart that illustrates the step-by-step process of casting a vote using an EVM and how the VVPAT slip is generated and used for verification.
Real-World Connections
- Analysing news coverage and debates during a recent state or general election to see campaign strategies in action.
- Comparing the process of national elections to student council or housing society elections to understand the basic principles of representation.
- Understanding the significance of getting a Voter ID card made upon turning 18 and participating in the democratic process.
- Debating the impact of social media campaigns and misinformation on voter behaviour in modern elections.
- Recognising the logistical challenge and scale of conducting elections in a country as vast and diverse as India.
Assessment Ideas
A 'Fact or Fiction' quiz where students must identify true and false statements about the Model Code of Conduct and EVM procedures.
Students write a newspaper report detailing the election process in a fictional constituency, covering the campaign, polling day activities, and the final vote counting.
Students complete a K-W-L (Know, Want to know, Learned) chart about the Indian election process before and after the topic is taught to reflect on their learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a voter presses the button for a wrong candidate on the EVM?
Why is indelible ink applied on a voter's finger?
What is the difference between a national party and a regional party?
Can a candidate campaign on polling day?
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