In this article you will learn about the Direct Election in Political Science.
Direct Election
In this form of election, the people directly elect their representative by casting their votes in favour of the candidates of their choice. For example, we in India directly elect our members of Lok Sabha (Lok Sabha MPs), the members of State Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), and panches and councillors of Panchayats and Municipal Councils respectively.
Votes — Casting of Votes — Election of Representatives
Direct Election is considered to be a fully democratic system because it establishes a direct link between the electors and their representatives. The people directly choose their representatives. The people of a constituency know who is their representative and the latter knows as to for whom he is to work. The representatives are directly responsible to their electors. The electors can get their demands or interests better communicated to the government through their directly elected representatives. The work of the representatives can be continuously and directly monitored by their electors. The representatives remain continuously and directly responsible, responsive and accountable to the electors.
Merits of Direct Election/Arguments in Favour of Direct Election
1. Direct Election is Truly Democratic : In contemporary times, when democracy has taken the form of Representative Democracy, Direct Election is the natural and most useful means for the election of the representatives of the people. Direct Elections are truly democratic in nature and results.
2. Means for a direct exercise of Popular Sovereignty : Direct election deserves full marks. It gives to the people the opportunity to directly exercise their sovereign power. In democracy people are sovereign and they should have the right to directly elect their representatives.
3. Clear reflection of Public Opinion : In a direct election, people give a clear verdict in favour of the candidates whom they want to serve as their representatives in government. Direct elections clearly reflect public opinion and will.
4. Active and Direct contacts between the People and their Representatives : Each directly elected representative knows his constituency as well as the people for whom he has to work. People also know their respective elected representatives. They can directly approach them for securing the needs and interests of their areas.
5. Less chance for Corruption : In a direct election, each contesting candidate has to directly approach all the people of his constituency. He cannot easily indulge in corrupt practices. He also finds it difficult to demand money from the persons who have elected him and who can also re-elect him in the next elections.
This article on Direct Election in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.