Question

Identity the correct meaning of election campaign-
A. Contest elections
B. Meeting of the candidate with the voters
C. Money and muscle power
D. Constituency

Answer 1

Hint:
The meaning of an election campaign can be easily guessed if one thinks about the terms used. Election is easily the most widely recognised method of choosing a representative by the citizens. Similarly campaigns are generally methods used to influence the decision making methods of a group of people.

Complete answer:
India had been a democratic country since its independence. Elections have been a part of the process of government formation since the beginning. India also has a multi party system where many political parties compete to win the votes of the citizens. Indian constitution also allows independent candidates to contest for elections. Thus it is very important for all the contestants to reach out to the voters, and try to convince them of why they would make a good leader. In India, the process of preparation and outreach starts much before the commencement of the elections. Let us now take a look at various facets of the election system-

A. Contesting elections basically means to stand as a candidate during the elections. Generally, each party has one representative candidate contesting from every constituency both for the state assembly elections, as well as the general elections. Along with all these party representatives, there might also be a few independent candidates. Contesting, therefore, does not mean campaigning for elections.

B. Meeting of the candidate with the voters is an important step in the pre-election process. The contesting candidate and the political parties go on extended tours, public meetings, rallies etc to meet the voters and win their votes. This is most often done by declaring what benefits they would provide the citizens if they are elected. This means the same as the election campaign.

C. Money and muscle power is often used in elections to forcefully win the elections. Either the voters are bribed, or they are threatened to vote for certain candidates. Though it is an illegal activity, sadly it is a very prevalent nuisance in the Indian electoral events. This therefore is not the meaning of campaign because the voters are not convinced, but rather forced in their decisions.

D. Constituency in India refers to the divisions within the country from which representatives are elected. Each constituency elects one representative. India currently has 543 Parliamentary constituencies. Constituency therefore does not mean the same as an election campaign.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option B.

Note:
-Election campaigns in India are a huge and prolonged affair. There are massive public speeches, rallies and meetings, all to sway the voters.
-The use of money and force to rig elections is unfortunately a very prominent problem not just in India, but many other democratic republic countries.
-India's multi party system is different from other major democratic republic countries like the UK and USA who have a bi-party system of governance.