Election is the process through which people can express their political

opinion. They express this opinion by public voting to choose a political

leader. Furthermore, this political leader would have authority and
responsibility. Most noteworthy, Election is a formal group decision
making the process. Also, the selected political leader would hold
public office. The election is certainly a vital pillar of democracy. This
is because; Election ensures that the government is of the people, by the
people, and for the people.

Characteristics of Election

First of all, suffrage is an important part of Election. Most noteworthy,

suffrage refers to the right to vote in Elections. The question of who
may vote is certainly an important issue. The electorate probably never
includes the entire population. Almost all countries prohibit individuals
under the age of majority from voting. For example, in India, the age of
majority is attainable at the age of 18 years.
The nomination of a candidate is also an important characteristic of
Election. This means to officially suggest someone for Election.
Nomination refers to the process of selecting a candidate for election to
a public office. Furthermore, endorsements or testimonials are public
statements to support a candidate’s nomination.

Another essential characteristic of Election is electoral systems.

Electoral systems refer to detailed constitutional arrangements and
voting systems. Furthermore, detailed constitutional arrangements and
voting systems convert the vote into a political decision.

The first step is the tally of votes. For this purpose, there is the use of
various vote counting systems and ballot. Then comes the determination
of the result on the basis of the tally. Also, the categorization of most
systems is as either proportional or majoritarian.

Scheduling refers to arranging and controlling of Elections. Elected

officials are accountable to the people. Therefore, they must return to
the voters at regular intervals of time. Elected officials must do that so
as to seek a mandate to continue in office. Above all, most countries
arrange elections at fixed regular intervals.

An election campaign is also an integral part of Election. Election

campaign refers to an organized effort to positively influence the
decision making of a particular group. Consequently, politicians
compete with each other by trying to woo more and more individuals.

Importance of Election

First of all, the Election is a peaceful and efficient way of choosing

political leaders. Furthermore, citizens of a Nation choose a leader by
casting their votes. In this way, the citizens are able to choose an
individual whose views appeal to them most. Hence, people are able to
exercise their will in political leadership.

An election is an excellent opportunity for people to express their

resentment. Most noteworthy, if people are unhappy with a particular
leadership, then they can remove it from power. People can certainly
replace an undesirous leadership with a better alternative through
Election.

The election is a handsome opportunity for political participation.

Furthermore, it is a way by which new issues can be raised in public. In
most democratic countries, common citizens are allowed to contest
elections independently.

Consequently, a citizen could introduce reforms which are not any

political party’s agenda. Also, in most democratic countries, a citizen
could form a new political party to contest Election.

Election helps keep the power of political leaders in check. The ruling
parties cannot afford to do any wrongdoing to the public due to the risk
of losing Election. Hence, Election serves as an efficient power check
and control for those in the ruling power.

To sum it up, Election is the symbol of political freedom. Most

noteworthy, it is the tool which puts authority in the hands of common
people. Democracy certainly would be non-functional without it. People
must realize the value of Elections and come out in large numbers to
vote.

Some FAQs

Q1 What are electoral systems?

A1 Electoral systems are detailed constitutional arrangements and
voting systems. These detailed constitutional arrangements and voting
systems convert the vote into a political decision.

Q2 How Election helps keep the power of the political leaders in

check?

A2 Elections certainly help keep the power of the political leaders in

check. This is because political leaders cannot afford to do any
wrongdoing to the public due to the risk of losing Election