Which one of the following methods is followed in electing the President of India?
Proportional Representation and the Single Transferable Vote System
Understanding the Election Process of the President of India
The question asks about the specific method used for electing the President of India. This is a key aspect of the Indian political system, involving a unique electoral process.
Analysing the Election Method Options
Let's look at the methods mentioned in the options:
- Proportional Representation: This system aims to allocate seats or positions based on the proportion of votes received. There are different ways to implement Proportional Representation.
- First-Past-the-Post System: In this system, the candidate who receives the most votes in a constituency or election wins, regardless of whether they have a majority of the total votes. This is commonly used for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections in India.
- Single Transferable Vote (STV) System: This is a method of preferential voting often used in multi-member constituencies or for electing a single person from a group where Proportional Representation is desired. Voters rank candidates in order of preference.
The Correct Method for Electing the President
The Constitution of India specifies the method for electing the President. It is not a direct election by the people. Instead, the President is elected by an Electoral College.
The method followed is indeed a combination of Proportional Representation and the Single Transferable Vote System.
- Proportional Representation: This principle is applied to ensure that the elected President represents the different states and the Union as a whole in proportion to their population and the strength of their elected representatives. The value of votes of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) varies to achieve this proportionality.
- Single Transferable Vote: This system is used within the Electoral College framework. Members of the Electoral College do not simply vote for one candidate. They rank the candidates in order of preference (1, 2, 3, etc.). If a candidate secures the required quota of first preference votes, they are elected. If not, the candidate with the fewest first preference votes is eliminated, and their second preference votes are transferred to the respective candidates. This process continues until one candidate secures the necessary quota of votes.
Therefore, the election of the President of India uses Proportional Representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote System.
Why Other Options Are Incorrect
- "Proportional Representation only" is incomplete because it doesn't specify the mechanism (STV) used to achieve proportionality in this specific election.
- "First-Past-the-Post System only" is incorrect. This system is used for general elections (Lok Sabha, Assemblies) but not for the Presidential election.
- "Proportional Representation and the First-Past-the-Post System" is incorrect as the First-Past-the-Post system is not used for the Presidential election.
Summary of the Presidential Election Method
The President of India is elected by members of an Electoral College consisting of:
- Elected members of both Houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
- Elected members of the Legislative Assemblies of the states, including the National Capital Territory of Delhi and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The election is held in accordance with the system of Proportional Representation by means of the Single Transferable Vote, and the voting is by secret ballot.
| Aspect | Presidential Election Method |
|---|---|
| System Principle | Proportional Representation |
| Voting Mechanism | Single Transferable Vote (STV) |
| Electoral Body | Electoral College (Elected MPs & MLAs) |
| Voting Type | Preferential Voting, Secret Ballot |
Revision Table: Key Election Concepts
| Concept | Description | Used for in India |
|---|---|---|
| Proportional Representation | System where representation reflects vote proportion. | President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Councils (indirectly) |
| Single Transferable Vote (STV) | Preferential voting system ensuring proportionality. Voters rank candidates. | President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Councils (indirectly) |
| First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) | Candidate with most votes wins, even without majority. | Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies (direct elections) |
| Electoral College | Body of electors established by Constitution to elect President/Vice-President. | President, Vice-President |
Additional Information on Presidential Elections
The value of the vote of each MLA and MP is calculated based on the population of the state they represent (for MLAs) and the total number of elected MPs and MLAs (for MPs). This ensures that the principle of proportionality is maintained across different states and between states and the Union.
The formula for calculating the vote value of an MLA is:
Vote value of an MLA = \(\frac{\text{Total population of the state}}{\text{Total number of elected MLAs in the state}} \times \frac{1}{1000}\)
The formula for calculating the vote value of an MP is:
Vote value of an MP = \(\frac{\text{Total vote value of all MLAs of all states}}{\text{Total number of elected MPs}}\)
The quota required for election is calculated using the formula: \(\text{Quota} = \frac{\text{Total number of valid votes polled}}{1 + 1} + 1\). A candidate must secure more than half of the valid votes cast to be elected.
The use of the Single Transferable Vote system allows voters to express their preferences for multiple candidates, ensuring that the elected candidate has broad support rather than just a simple majority.
Similar Questions
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2. Viswanath Pratap Singh
3. H.D. Deve Gowda
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Select the correct answer using the code given below:Which of the following statements relating to the office of the President of India are correct?
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Rajya Sabha has exclusive jurisdiction in
Which of the following statements regarding Rajya Sabha is/are correct?
1. The maximum permissible strength of the Rajya Sabha is 250.
2. In Rajya Sabha, 238 members are elected indirectly from the States and Union Territories.
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1. The President has the right to address and send messages to the Council of Ministers to elicit specific information.
2. The President can call for information relating to proposals for legislation.
3. All decisions of the Council of Ministers relating to the administration of the Union must be communicated to the President.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?Which one of the following statements about a Bill for Amendment of the Constitution of India isnotcorrect?
According to the Constitution of India, which one of the following statements isnotcorrect?
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Which one among the following is the largest State in terms of seats in the Rajya Sabha ?
Important Questions from Central Government
What is correct about the dismissal of Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha ?
i. He can be dismissed by no-confidence motion
ii. To introduce such resolution prior notice of 14 days is essential
iii. Such resolution should be passed by absolute majority
iv. Such resolution should be passed by a majority of the ten members of the house
What is correct ?
i. Finance Bill can be introduced in Lok Sabha only
ii. Rajya Sabha can detain the Finance Bill
If the Vice President removed from his office, what shall happened?
Consider the following statements :
1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies.
2. In 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies.
3. As per the- existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Who chooses the Speaker of the Lok Sabha?
