Civics
Free and fair electoral competition
मुक्त और निष्पक्ष चुनावी प्रतिस्पर्धा
In this Class 9 Civics topic from “What is Democracy? Why Democracy?”, students examine why elections must provide voters with a genuine choice among competing parties and candidates. They learn how clear rules, equal opportunities, regular elections, secret ballots, and independent oversight help make electoral competition fair. The topic also explains how excessive money power, intimidation, unfair use of government resources, or restricted participation can weaken democracy, while meaningful competition makes elected representatives more accountable to citizens.
Practice questions
If voters vote freely but opposition candidates are stopped from nomination, what is the main weakness?HardLevel 7In which situation will an election look competitive externally but not be fair?HardLevel 7If the election commission cancels opposition rallies under ruling party pressure, which principle is broken?HardLevel 7If voting is secret but the ruling side changes results during counting, why is the election not fair?HardLevel 7If many parties contest but media shows policies of only one party, which ability of voters is affected?HardLevel 7In which situation will both freedom and fairness be affected together?HardLevel 7If polling booths are deliberately kept far from some poor localities, what is the main electoral problem?HardLevel 7If the losing party is stopped from contesting the next election, what will be the effect on competition?HardLevel 7If election rules are changed just before voting only to benefit the ruling side, what becomes doubtful?HardLevel 7What democratic concern arises from excessive use of money power in elections?HardLevel 7If voters face threats of revenge after voting, why does secret ballot become more important?HardLevel 7If some candidates have legal rights but administration does not allow them to hold meetings, what does it show?HardLevel 7In which example will election result be farthest from people's real will?HardLevel 7If everyone has voting right but many eligible citizens are deliberately removed from the list, which principle is weakened?HardLevel 7If opposition exists but its ideas are not allowed to reach people, why is real choice weak?HardLevel 7If government announces benefits only favouring the ruling side before elections and blocks opposition campaign, what is the concern?HardLevel 7In which situation will credibility of the election institution decline most?HardLevel 7If citizens are misled by false rumours in elections, what happens to free decision-making?HardLevel 7If a party can openly contest but its supporters are blocked from reaching polling booths, which conclusion is correct?HardLevel 7Why are equal campaign opportunity and accurate counting both necessary in fair electoral competition?HardLevel 7