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 all candidates join a debate but one party is given the questions beforehand, what problem arises?ExpertLevel 7If results come from actual votes but voters were misled by widespread false information, which aspect remains weak?ExpertLevel 7If the ruling side announces government schemes only in its support areas during election, what needs examination?ExpertLevel 7If independent observers are allowed only in ruling party strong areas, which value weakens?ExpertLevel 7If candidates' names are present in an election but opposition leaders are jailed, why is the choice nominal?ExpertLevel 7If voters have the right to vote freely but vote-buying is widespread, what is the main concern?ExpertLevel 7In which situation will electoral competition look open but be unequal in effect?ExpertLevel 7If counting is accurate but opposition voters were prevented from leaving home before voting, why is the result incomplete?ExpertLevel 7If debate rules are same but the moderator repeatedly stops one side, what weakens?ExpertLevel 7If all parties are allowed to campaign but supporters of one party face violence, what is the most appropriate evaluation?ExpertLevel 7If only opposition posters are removed in an area while ruling party posters remain, which principle is violated?ExpertLevel 7If a party spreading false information is not punished but a critical party is punished, what concern arises?ExpertLevel 7Why is informed choice of voters considered central in free and fair competition?ExpertLevel 7If voting is free but candidate eligibility conditions exclude only the poor, what question arises?ExpertLevel 7If voting machines are doubted and audit is not allowed, which electoral value is most affected?ExpertLevel 7If citizens are stopped from criticising the government during campaign, what is the effect on voter decision?ExpertLevel 7If the ruling side bans travel of opposition parties just before election but continues its own travel, what weakens?ExpertLevel 7If all voters vote but police raids only offices of one party, what problem arises?ExpertLevel 7If one party's candidate gets security and another does not despite threats, which principle weakens?ExpertLevel 7If the losing party peacefully demands recount after real counting, what is its proper democratic meaning?ExpertLevel 7