Free and Fair Electoral Competition

Introduction

• Speaker: Vikrant Singh Rajput
• Main Topic: Free and Fair Electoral Competition

Example of Pakistan

• During General Pervez Musharraf's time, Pakistan was termed a democratic country.
• Musharraf portrayed himself as a democratic leader, but he was not elected.
• Core principle of democracy: Final decisions should be made by leaders elected by the people.

Example of China

• Elections are held every five years for the National People's Congress.
• Members of the National People's Congress appoint the president.
• All candidates need the approval of the Chinese Communist Party.
• Only members of the Chinese Communist Party or its allied party can contest elections.
• Absence of a multiparty system and regular transfer of power.

Example of Mexico

• From 1930 to 2000, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) won every election.
• Government officials were compelled to work for the party.
• The same party won every election.
• Winning elections through unfair means: changing polling booths, corruption, intimidation.

Main Points

• In democracy, elections should be free and fair.
• There should be a fair chance of rotation of power in elections.
• The current power holders should have an equal chance of competition.
• Without free and fair elections, it cannot be considered a democracy.

Conclusion

• Features of democracy:
  • Major decisions should be taken by elected leaders.
  • There should be free and fair elections.
  • There should be fair chances of power changes.

Additional Information

• Systematic videos of all subjects, chapters, and topics are available on the Magnet Brains website.