The elections to the 16th Lok Sabha are round the corner. About 81.4 crore electorates will decide the future course of the world’s largest democracy. Here is a peek into India’s election process.
- Who conducts the elections to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies?
The Election Commission of India.
- What can be the maximum number of members in the Lok Sabha?
552. Not more than 530 members from the states, and not more than 20 members from the Union Territories. The President may also appoint two members from the Anglo Indian community if (s)he thinks that the community is not adequately represented.
- Does the voting in the entire country take place on a single day?
No. As India is a large country, elections are held in phases so that adequate security can be provided for free and fair polls. This year the elections will be conducted in nine phases, between April 7 and May 12. The counting of votes will be held on May 16.
- How is the government formed?
After the counting of votes, it becomes clear if any particular party has won a majority in the Lok Sabha.
The President then invites the single largest party to form the government. And the party chooses its leader as the Prime Minister.
If no party wins a majority, then like-minded parties come together and form a coalition. The President then invites the coalition to form the government and the leader of the coalition becomes the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister consults his party colleagues and selects his Cabinet of Ministers.
The President administers the oath of office to the Prime Minister and his Cabinet.