2. Era of One-Party Dominance
The early years of independent India's electoral politics faced the challenge of nation-building while establishing democratic systems. This chapter highlights the establishment of free and fair elections, the Congress party's dominance following Independence, and the emergence of opposition parties that played crucial roles in maintaining democracy amidst a one-party dominance.
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What we have learnt
- Independent India chose the path of democracy despite the prevailing challenges around the world.
- The Election Commission faced significant hurdles in conducting the first general elections, including revising electoral rolls and ensuring inclusivity.
- The dominance of the Congress party in the first three general elections was facilitated by its historical legacy and organizational structure, despite a divided opposition.
Key Concepts
- -- Universal Adult Franchise
- The right of all adults to vote in elections, irrespective of literacy, socioeconomic status, or gender, which was a significant feature of India’s democracy from the first general elections.
- -- OneParty Dominance
- A political situation where one party, here the Congress, significantly outperforms all other parties in elections, leading to limited competition from opposition parties during a defined historical period.
- -- Electoral System
- The method used for conducting elections, including the first-past-the-post system in India, which impacts the representation of parties and candidates in the elected bodies.
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