The election and tenure of the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the Parliament of India, are governed by the Constitution of India and the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Election of Lok Sabha:
Constituencies:
India is divided into geographical areas called constituencies, and each constituency elects one member to the Lok Sabha. The number of Lok Sabha seats is determined by the population of each state and union territory.
Direct Election:
Members of the Lok Sabha are directly elected by the eligible voters in their respective constituencies. India follows the first-past-the-post electoral system, where the candidate with the highest number of votes in a constituency is declared the winner.
Universal Adult Suffrage:
India practices universal adult suffrage, allowing all citizens aged 18 and above to vote in Lok Sabha elections, irrespective of caste, creed, gender, or economic status.
Reservation of Seats:
Seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population in each state or union territory. Additionally, there are reservations for Anglo-Indians, though this provision is temporary and subject to periodic review.
Election Commission:
The Election Commission of India is responsible for the conduct of Lok Sabha elections. It oversees the electoral process, including the delimitation of constituencies, voter registration, the issuance of election symbols, and the counting of votes.
Frequency of Elections:
The term of the Lok Sabha is five years, but it can be dissolved earlier by the President of India, leading to fresh elections. Elections must be held within six months of the dissolution.
No-Confidence Motion:
The Lok Sabha can be dissolved before the completion of its term if a vote of no-confidence is passed against the government, and no alternative government can secure the confidence of the majority.
Tenure of Lok Sabha:
Five-Year Term:
The normal term of the Lok Sabha is five years from the date of its first meeting after the general elections. This period may be extended during a proclamation of a national emergency.
Dissolution:
The Lok Sabha can be dissolved by the President before the completion of its term. Upon the dissolution, general elections are held to constitute a new Lok Sabha.
No-Confidence Motion:
If a no-confidence motion is passed against the government, and no alternative government can secure the confidence of the majority, the President may dissolve the Lok Sabha, leading to fresh elections.
Exception during Emergency:
During a proclamation of a national emergency, the term of the Lok Sabha may be extended for one year at a time by a resolution passed by a two-thirds majority in the house.
Conclusion:
The election and tenure of the Lok Sabha are essential components of India’s parliamentary democracy. The direct election of members ensures representation from diverse constituencies, and the five-year term provides stability while allowing for periodic assessments of the government’s performance through elections. The process is governed by constitutional provisions and laws to ensure fairness, transparency, and the democratic principles of the Indian political system.
