Unit: 5 Civic Consciousness Lesson: Political Parties

Political Parties consists of a group of citizens more or less organized who act as a political unit and who
by the use of their voting power aim to control the government and carry out their general policies.

 People should be organized in political party

 Aim of political party should be to attain political power
 Political parties should use peaceful means to attain political power
 There should be similarity in principle

Political Parties are formed on the bases of Religion (Muslim League/ ShivSena), on the basis of
economy( Conservative/ Labour), on the basis of race( Nazi Party), on the basis of natural
difference( Extremist/Liberals) etc.

1. Can democratic principles be practiced in the absence of political parties? Justify. Or, Political
Parties are the pillars of democracy. Justify.
 There is an intimate connection between democracy and political parties. It is
impossible to work the democratic machine without the help of political parties. Voice
of the people is the voice of the God. A country can move only as fast as its politics
allows. Political parties are inevitable. No free country has been without them. No one
has shown how representative’s government could be worked out without them.
Political parties have a special importance in democracy.
 During election they put up able and intelligent persons for election and bring
consciousness among the voters, impart them political education and attract
them towards important problems. They distribute political literature to the
voters and publish election manifesto in order to place their performance and
policy before the people
 Each political party tries to defend its rival and condemns its policies so that no
voter should vote in favor of rival party. There is an automatic change in the
government without any bloodshed.
 When the results are declared, each party elects its leaders in the legislature.
The party with clear majority forms the government and which don’t join the
government acts as opposition. Political parties make the working of democracy
possible through majority and minority.
 Opposition parties prevent government from being arbitrary and irresponsible.
So they are known as the invisible government. The government is scrutinized
and every omission and commission of the government is exposed. Whereas,
government tries to change public opinion into public policy.
 Since political parties provides a link between government and people, in the
absence of it democracy is not possible.

2. Why do you think Multi Party system is an essential requirement of modern democracy?
 Where there are more than two political parties, there is multi party system, as in India,
Nepal, Italy, France etc. Multi Party system is an essential requirement of modern
democracy. The multi party system is based on rational principles. Individuals have
diverse interests and it is difficult to divide them in to just two parties’ ideologies. The
multi party system has greater elasticity and mobility.
 It gives wider choice before the electorate as people can cast their votes in favor
of the like-minded parties. People get chance to cross examine the policies of
different parties
 The chances of cabinet dictatorship are minimized. Coalition governments are
formed in multi party system and the parties in the coalition work by adopting
the policy of compromise. All shares of opinions are reflected in the house.
 Parliament doesn’t become puppet in the hands of the cabinet. The cabinet
cannot get the work done at will by establishing its dictatorship.
 There are many types of ideologies and there is no rigid discipline among the
parties. If a member leaves one party, he can join another party. Because of this
freedom of views, the nation is not divided into two rival groups. It gives
adequate representation to numerous interests of the people.

3. Enumerate the conditions laid down by the Election commission for a party to be registered.
 The conditions laid down by the Election commission for a party to be registered are:
 They should register their application along with the statute of the political
party and the election manifesto with the following information:
1. The name of the political party and the address of the central office
2. Name and address of the members of the central executive
3. The description of income source or source to collect the fund for the party
activities

4. How the political parties can be formed in Nepal?

 Statute of a political party must be democratic

There must be the provision of election to choose its executive committee members of
federal level and provincial level at least once in 5 years
There should be inclusiveness of women, dalits and underprivileged group of people
The name, objectives, logo and flag of the party must not be against national unity and
integrity.
5. Make a list of 6 political Parties of Nepal.

 The 6 political parties of Nepal are:

1.Nepali Congress 2.Nepal communist party 3. Rastriya Prajatantra Party
Nepal 4.Rastriya Janata Party Nepal 5. Sajha Bibek sheel Party 6. Rastriya
Janamorcha Nepal

6. Write down the four characteristics of Multi- Party System.

 The four characteristics of multi-party system are:

i. There is freedom to open political parties
ii. There is the government of majority
iii. Provision of Periodic election
iv. Provision of ruling and opposition party

7. What was the role of political party to stabilize the democracy in Nepal?

 The credit of establishing democracy in Nepal goes to the political parties. The
movement for democracy started during the autocratic rule of Rana regime. Organized
effort to over threw Rana regime was done by establishing the party called “ Nepal Praja
Parishad”. Nepali Congress launched the armed revolution against the Rana regime and
democracy of Nepal would have been impossible without these parties.

Political instability curbed Nepal and the first general election took place in 2015 B.S.
and B.P. Koirala became the first elected prime minister of Nepal. King Mahendra coup
the democratic government and party less Panchyat system was introduced on 22 nd
Poush 2017 B.S. It was an autocratic rule with no freedom at all. People’s movement
was started by the political parties of Nepal. Nepali Congress along with unified leftist
parties under the leadership of Ganeshman Singh started the protest. It continued for
49 days. Dozens of people were shot dead. At last, the king had to announce the end of
the party less Panchyat system and multi party democracy was reinstated. It was
without the effort of political parties, reinstating multi-party democracy would have
been impossible.

King Gyanendra not only became an accidental king after the death of King Birendra
but also was unpopular and unloved. He usurped all powers toppling the elected
government and started the direct rule. The major political parties joined together and
began mass movement under the leadership of GP Koirala to reinstate the parliament.
Another Party who has been revolting the rule for 10 years also joined it. 19 days long
movement bore fruit and the Parliament was reinstate by handling the state power and
sovereignty over to the people. The 240 years old Shah dynasty came to an end. The
country became Federal Democratic Republic. It was all possible only by the combined
effort of the political parties.
 Two different constituent assembly elections were held in 2064 B.S. and 2070 B.S. and
the major political parties reached a historic consensus on finalizing the draft of the new
constitution. A long awaited constitution was promulgated on 3 rd Ashoj 2072 B.S. The
foundation of all these achievements was the active role of the political parties to bring
freedom and democracy in the country. In Democracy, the legitimacy of governance
emanates from citizens ballot and people’s right to freedom, equality, social justice etc.
are thus guaranteed.

8. What role should political party in Loklantra? (Democracy)? Or, (How the political parties should
increase’s public trust?)

 It is impossible to work the democratic machine without the help of political parties.
Every political party is honor bound to carry out the promises made by it at the times of
elections. But, Nepalese political parties put their deaf ear after winning the elections.
They must know that in a democratic system, the public bound to react and turn out
them in the next election. Most political parties are engaged in corruption. Political
parties have the role to unite, simplify and stabilize the political process of the country.
They provide a link between government and people. So, they should give up the selfish
propaganda of parties and work for the overall national interest. Now Nepal has 2/3 rd
majority government. Dictatorship of the ruling party by clear majority should be
reduced. Parties should not spread any form of communal hatred. Opposition political
party not only should keep the government vigilant, it also should prevent it from being
arbitrary and irresponsible. Political parties should perform social welfare functions for
eradication of social evils like illiteracy, ignorance, disease, etc. If the political parties
only perform these functions, then only the loktantra will be flourished in Nepal.

9. Why political party that jeopardizes the religious and communal unity and fragments the country is
prohibited to open?

 Political that jeopardizes the religious and communal unity and fragments the country
are prohibited to open for the following reasons:
 It may create racial or religious war in the country
 It may hamper racial unity
 There is chance of civil war leading towards chaos
 Even the existence of country might be at risk

10. If you were the chairperson of a political party, what sorts of programs would you present for the
coming election of legislature? Write any four programs.

 If I were the chairperson of a political party, I would present the following programs.
 I would select an appropriate, honest and popular for candidacy
  I would draft an effective election manifesto with clear development and policy and distribute it
widely.
 I would strongly instruct the other leaders and cadres to strictly follow the election code of
conduct
 I would not give any wrong education to people and won’t give any fake promises just for the
sake of winning the election.

Unit: 5 Civic Consciousness Lesson: Election Process

1. Some terminologies:

a) Electoral System: It is the method of election which has its own rule of casting votes, counting the
votes and giving a final result.
b) First Past the post electoral system: Electoral system in which the one who receives more votes
than any other candidates gets elected. This system is used to elect a single candidate from an
election constituency in which voters cast their votes directly to their preferred candidate.
c) Proportional election system: The whole country is considered a single constituency. The voters
cast their vote to their preferred political party and the percentage of the popular vote won by the
party is converted into seats.
d) Electoral roll: Official list of the names and address of the people in a specific area who are entitled
to vote in an election. It is updated by the election commission every year and includes the name
who attain 18 years of age to ascertain the voting right of people who are Nepalese citizens. Final
list if published before 75 days of election.
e) Election code of conduct: The set of rules or guidelines issued by the Election Commission during
the election. It should be abided by the candidates, political parties, government, public,
employees, media, etc.
f) Polling station or centre: (Voting booth) officially chosen for casting votes during an election.
Generally public places such as school, play ground, etc. are chosen
g) Voter Identity card: Identification card issued by the election commission to all eligible voters. It is
needed for casting vote in the election. It includes the name, address, identity card number,
photograph of voter. It is called biometrics voter identity card.
h) Ballot Box and Paper: Ballot box is a sealed semi transparent box in which voters put completed
ballot papers. Ballot paper is a printed piece of paper containing the names and symbols of the
candidates or political parties contesting the election. Voters stamp/tick for the name or symbol of
the candidate or political party they like most. In Nepal symbol is used as most people are illiterate
and name may resemble.
i) Candidate: A candidate is a person who contests in the election. The candidates can either be
independent member or belong to political parties
j) Election officer: Election commission appoints election officers to conduct the election in different
election constituencies. The post gets terminated after the election result is declared.

2. Many Ballot papers in Nepal become invalid as a result of improper stamping. What should be
done to control such invalid vote papers?
 Many ballot papers in Nepal become invalid as a result of improper stamping. It is a
must to control the number of such invalid vote papers to elect the right candidates
reflecting people’s will and aspiration. To control such invalid vote, the following works
should be done:
The general public should be trained about the proper way of voting
Election commission should conduct sample election before the actual election takes
place
The students and teachers should be mobilized in each community for door to door
campaign to give knowledge about voting
The election symbols should be clear and recognizable
Easy and comfort voting system should be applied in order to control this problem
Related programs should be broadcast from the radio and television before the date of
election
Introduce electronic voting and train people to use it.
3. Write down the functions of pooling officer.
 The functions of pooling officer is:
 To conduct the election in a fair manner in the concerned booth
 To make necessary arrangements including security arrangement of booth
 To begin and complete election in scheduled time with legal process
 To submit the ballot box to the concerned authority and if needed count the
votes in the election
 To give decision in any filed cases and other problems.
4. What are the qualifications to be eligible voters in Nepal?
 To be eligible voters in Nepal, the following criteria must be fulfilled.
 He / She must be a Nepali citizen
 He/ she must be above the age of 18
 He/she should have name in the electoral roll
 He/she should be mentally sound
5. What is the qualification to be a candidate in an election in Nepal
 Post The required qualification of age
 President/Vice president 45 years
 Member of federal parliament 25 and 35
 Provincial legislature 25
 Chair Person, Vice Person of rural municipality 21
 Mayor/ Deputy Mayor of Municipality 21
6. What are the advantages of using electronic voting machines instead of using stamping? What
might be the difficulties?
 Electronic voting system or e- voting is the voting that uses electronic means to either
aid or take care of casting and counting votes. The main advantages of it are:
 It saves cost of printing of ballot paper and it has great ecological importance
 Conflict while counting votes is minimized
 Less chance of invalidity of votes
 Voting process and counting is fast
 Proxy votes can be highly checked
Voters abroad can also use their right to vote easily
Some of the difficulties while implementing are:
 It is not reusable like Ballot box
 Its uneasy to use where there is no electricity
 Chance of damage of electronic machine or technical fault can delay the voting
process
 Not suitable for distant remote places

7. What is the need of election code of conduct?

 Model code of conduct for political parties and candidates to conduct election activities
in free and fair manner. It is the rule of election morality.
 To held the election in credible, fair and just manner
 To maintain transparency and accountability of the political parties and organize
involve in the election
 To prohibit violence or incitement and encourage a conducive environment to
hold election peacefully and successfully
 To ensure a peaceful and orderly polling and complete freedom for voters to
exercise their franchise without being subjected to any obstructions
 To stop false manipulation by disseminating correct information to the
electorates by media, national and international organizations etc.

8. What things should be done to hold the election in fair manner?

 A country can’t be truly democratic until its citizens have the opportunity to choose
their representatives through election that are free and fair.
The following things should be done to hold the election in a fair manner
 Political parties and candidates should not spend more amount of then fixed by
the election commission
 Shouldn’t be any violation of election code of conduct, misbehavior or threat to
each other or among the candidates and the political parties.
  Parties and candidates should not made any unnecessary publicity to lure the
voters
 There should be provision of observing election by impartial citizen’s group and
independent organizations.

9. What are the basic conditions for Free and Fair election?
 Elections in a democratic system are vital and in order for the elections to be fair. It is
important to examine whether the voters are free to exercise their right to franchise,
adequately informed to do so, and have confidence that the electoral process will
accurately reflect their choice. For that the following criteria should be fulfilled:
 Confidential voting system: The choice the voters make should be kept private
both during and after the election
 Accessibility: All eligible voters, regardless of region, gender, ideology should
have reasonable and equal right to vote
 Independent observation: There should be a provision of observing election by
impartial citizen’s group and independent organizations. Citizens groups can act
as a watch dog.
 Impartiality: If the contesting candidates don’t have the opportunity to carry
out election campaigns freely for popular support, then a fair election can’t be
conducted.

10.Many countries have adopted the Right to Reject or None of the Above ( NOTA). What is your view
on this?

 Right to reject is a ballot option in some jurisdictions designed to allow the voter to
indicate disapproval of the candidates in a voting system. It gives people power to
express discontent. If citizens are dissatisfied with the background or previous
performance of the candidates, they may opt to reject all the candidates.

 Most of the popularly elected representatives have turned out to be corrupt

sooner or later. It’s good to give people right to reject if they don’t want the
candidates. It is also known as negative voting. Many countries like India,
Greece, and Ukraine etc. have provisions for this.
 It forces the candidates to be really popular and democratic
 It Increases the participation of voters tremendously. It helps further strengthen
democracy
 It makes the legislative more accountable and responsible.
Note: If none of the above receives maximum vote, nothing will happen and the one
with maximum votes will win election like in India. But in right to reject re election will
take place if it receives the maximum vote.
10. Write the difference between the General election and referendum


General election Referendum

Selects members of the legislature at
state/Federal or local level
It is periodic held at fix interval
The political parties and persons will contest it
There must be representation
Is held to know the majority view about
national issue
It is held rare and occasional
Direct vote where an entire electorate is asked
either accept or reject a particular issue or
proposals
It can be advisory or mandatory

11. What activities are taken during the pre election, during and after the election by the election
conducting bodies? ( Or, describe the election procedure)
 Election commission, election officer and the pooling officer are the three bodies to
conduct the election. All sort of activities take place in the election procedure. They are:
Pre election activity
 Formation of law
 Collection of voter’s list
 Determination of constituency
 Fix of election date
During election
 Election security
 Voter’s education
 Implementation of election code of conduct
 Preparation of polling centre and voting
Post election phase
 Take ballot boxes safely to the district headquarters and count
 Declare the result and publish it
 Resolve the dispute, if any

12. Differentiate between The First Past the Post and Proportional election system


First Past the Post Proportional representation

Direct competition among candidates
Division into different constituencies on the
basis of geography and population
Principle of inclusiveness is not necessary
No need to submit the close list of candidates
Competition among political parties
The whole country is considered as single
constituency
Inclusiveness representation is the most
Need to submit the close list of candidates to
 to the election commission the election commission
13. Why it is necessary to utilize the vote properly? Or, a good citizen must participate in an election.
Justify.

 Voting is not just a right but it is our responsibility too. In democracy, elections are the
bigger opportunity to bring about the change and voting is the procedure of election
process. Voting enables us to choose our leaders of tomorrow. It not only enables us to
vote for political parties, but also helps us to realize the importance of citizenship.
Nation’s government working mechanism is only possible through voting process.
Utilizing our vote energizes social awareness since it empowers political awareness. The
citizens can follow the progress of the political representatives and the legislature.
Voting is equally crucial for activating the democratic process. It is the way to express
the opinion of the citizen in a democratic nation. Our 1 vote may send the wrong
person in the parliament and push back the good candidate. Proving your vote does
matter, may be more than you realize.
14. What is election manifesto? Prepare a sample of election manifesto.
 The declaration of plans, policies, programs and strategies prepared by the political
party to win the election is known as the election manifesto.

Dear Country men and women,

Namaskar !
It is indeed a privilege to share our thoughts with you our grand vision to move our nation’s socio economic
agenda forward through delivering a strong, prosperous and secure modern republic. Nepal Democratic Party is
socialism based party entrusting in full scale democracy. Public welfare and national development are the
primary objectives of this party.

Our plan is to build a strong Nepal by building a stronger economy and modern infrastructure. More diverse and
productive ago based economy is our top priority. Free and compulsory vocational education from primary to
University level is the solemn priority. We will ensure the social grant system to protect, develop and uplift the
marginalized community of Nepal like Raute, Kusunda, etc. The waste of the resources and corruption shall be
fought at fronts.
There is and should be no limit to what we and our generation can achieve. It is our time to redirect the socio
economic agenda for ourselves and our successive generation. I do hope you will leave turn no stone unturned
to vote for our nationalist party and make us victorious for prosperous Nepal.
Thank you
Nepal Democratic Party

15. The votes should not be counted but weighted. Justify.

 Votes should not be counted but weighted is the famous quote of great political thinker
Taine. In his opinion, People who are more educated, pay more taxes and are advanced
in age, should be given more vote than those who are younger, illiterate and pay less
taxes. More political thinkers like John Stuart has also considered property and age basis
 for the grant of more votes. It is the concept that discrimination should be made on
some basis so that some citizens have more votes compared to others. Some votes
should be given a greater weight in the choice of the representatives because they are
wiser and also so more fitted to choose and so that some people’s opinions should
count for more than the other’s in asserting the general will. The prime example is In
1983 Belgium election, there was a provision of 1 right vote to every citizen above 25
but 1 more vote right to people of above 35. In Nepal also to elect the members of the
National assembly, votes from the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and state parliament members
carry different weight.
16. What are election constituencies? How are they determined in Nepal?
 In order to hold elections in a particular territory, the whole area is subdivided in a
number of electoral districts which may or may not coincide with the administrative
districts of the country. These electoral districts are known as constituencies. The
constituencies may be a single member or multi member constituency. A constituency
where only one candidate is elected is known as single member constituency and from
where more than one representative is elected is known as multi member constituency.
Constituencies should be distinguished for the recruitment of the representatives acting
according to the will of the people. In Nepal, the Election constituency Delimitation
Commission is created to determine the 165 constituencies for federal parliament and
330 constituencies for the state parliament election. This commission consists of:
 Retired judge of supreme court: Chair Person
 One geographer- Member
 One sociologist or demographer- Member
 One administrative expert or jurist: Member
 Gazette special class officer: Member secretary
Nepal has made population the main basis and geography the second of delineating the
electoral constituencies. But, every district inside the province shall have at least one
constituency.

17. What is First Past the Post system and proportional representation? Enlighten the merits and
demerits of proportional representation.
 a) First past the Post System: It is the electoral system where candidate securing the
largest number of votes is declared elected without considering the percentage of votes
he gets. It is possible that the winner may secure less than 50% of the votes casted.
Many people call it undemocratic as a candidate may be declared the winner without
getting a clear majority and amounts to the victory of a minority over a majority. It is
also known as the Majority vote system or Plurality vote system.

b) Proportional representation: It is an electoral system in which seats are first

allocated to parties based on votes share and then assigned to party affiliated
candidates on the parties electoral list. If n% of the electorate supports a particular
 party, then roughly n% of seats will be won by a party. In this system, all votes
contribute to the result not just a plurality.

Electoral quota: Total number of valid votes + 1 =Electoral quota

Total number of seats+1
The candidates are grouped according to the label of their political parties. Each party
submits lists of its chosen candidates equal to the number of seats to be filled up or
even less than that. After assigning electoral quota, it is seen as to which party has
secured votes in what percentage and the seats are apportioned between or among
them according to the same percentage.
The advantages of Proportional representation are:
 It is the best way to ensure representation of all sections of the people as far as
possible
 It gives political education to the masses and a sense of security to those people
or parties that are in minority
 It leads to the recognition of political parties on social and economic
considerations
 Profoundly democratic, for it increases the influences of thousands who would
otherwise have no voice in the government
 It makes every vote count. But in plurality elections half or more of the ballots
are usually wasted.
The Disadvantages of Proportional representation are:
 It perpetuates a multi party system with possible undesirable
consequences for a stable and effective government
 It prevents development of disciplined parties and encourages factional
groups and also temporary and frequent party alliances. Eg. In France
between 1946 to 1958, the life of the government was an one month
average
 It organizes disorder and makes parliamentary government impossible.
 There is no provision of by election if some representative is dead
 Impractical for a big country as large constituencies would impose upon
expenses and labor.

18. What are the requirements of election Process?




 Electoral Roll
 Election code of Conduct
 Pooling Station
 Voter Identity card
  Ballot Box and Paper
 Election officer
 Candidates

19. What are the different types of election?

 The different types of election are:
General election: It is the election of federal legislature, state legislature and local
bodies which is held after the end of the set tenure, which is 5 years in Nepal.
Mid-Term election: It is conducted as and when the legislature is dissolved before
completing its fixed tenure
By election: It is conducted to elect a representative of a particular constituency when it
falls vacant because of death, resignation etc.
Referendum: It is an election in which people cast their secret vote to decide on
important national issues. Voters are generally given two options to choose one.
Constituent Assembly election: It is an election held to choose people’s representatives
to draft new constitution for the country.

20. What is single transferable vote and mixed member proportional system?
 Single Transferable vote: Voter has a single vote that is initially allocated to their most
preferred candidate. Votes are totaled and a quota is derived. If their candidate
achieves quota, he /she is elected and any surplus vote is transferred to other
candidates in proportion to the voter’s stared performance. It reduces wasted
votes( votes being wasted on losers and surplus votes being wasted on winners) by
transferring them to other candidates.
Mixed Member Proportional System: It is a mixed electoral system in which voters get
two votes. First one is to decide representative for their single seat constituency and
other for a political party. It is first filled by the winners and then by the % of nationwide
votes that each party receives.

21. Make roles to be played by the citizen before, during and after the election.
 All men and women who have attained the age of majority are given the right to vote.
Every individual must be able to decide who are going to be his rulers. Responsible
government in a democracy lives always in the shadow of coming defeat and this makes
it eager to satisfy those whose destinies it is charged.
There are many important roles that can be played by the citizens before, during and
after the election.
Before the election
 To register the name in the electoral roll
 To make sure that the name of all eligible voters of their families and yourself
are correctly included in the electoral roll
 To inform the authority concerned if there is any mistake in the electoral roll
regarding your information
 To inform the authority concerned to exclude the names of ineligible persons
from the electoral roll
 To aware the people in the community to register their name in the electoral
roll

During the election

 To vote the right candidate not falling for money and using own intuition
 To inform other about the election and voting procedures, date and venue of
the voting so that less votes will be invalid
 To line up and wait for your turn patiently
 To cast vote without any body’s threat or manipulation
 To help disabled and elderly people in the pooling centre
 To study the election manifesto of the political parties before voting
 To carry out the voters identity card to the pooling centre
 To report the concerned authority regarding any violation of election codes.

After the election

 To wait the result patiently
 To respect the election result and if possible congratulate the winner
 Help to remove posters, pamphlets and banners used in and around your
locality
 To respect and support the elected representative to carry out his work even if
he may have been elected not as per your desire