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 called a democratic country.
• Musharraf portrayed himself as a democratic leader, but he was not elected.
• Main principle of democracy: the final decision should be made by the leader chosen 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 approval from the Chinese Communist Party.
• Only members of the Chinese Communist Party or its alliance parties can contest elections.
• Absence of multiparty system and regular power transition.

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 time in elections.
• Winning elections through wrongful means: changing polling booths, corruption, intimidation.

Key Points

• In democracy, elections should be free and fair.
• There should be a fair chance of rotation of power in elections.
• Those in power today should have an equal chance to compete.
• Without free and fair elections, democracy cannot be considered true democracy.

Conclusion

• Features of democracy:
  • Major decisions should be made by elected leaders.
  • Elections should be free and fair.
  • There should be fair chances for power transition.

Additional Information

• All subjects, chapters, and topics are systematically available in video format on Magnet Brains' website.