Question

Explain the features of procedure of voting during the first Lok Sabha election.

Answer 1

The entire process of elections from declaring the date of elections to the declaration of results is carried out under the direction and control of Election Commission.

1. Universal Adult Suffrage: Every citizen aged 21 or above could vote, regardless of caste, religion, gender, or education.
2. Secret Ballot System: Voters cast their vote in private to ensure secrecy and freedom from pressure.
3. Separate Ballot Boxes for Each Candidate: Each candidate had a separate box with their symbol on it. Voters placed their ballot paper into the chosen candidate’s box (because most voters were illiterate).
4. Use of Symbols on Ballot Boxes: Each candidate was given a unique election symbol to help illiterate voters identify them.
5. Electoral Rolls: Only registered voters whose names were in the voters list could vote.
6. Supervision by the Election Commission: The whole process was organised and monitored by the Election Commission to ensure fairness.