Eligibility criteria for Lok Sabha elections

To be eligible to contest in the Lok Sabha elections, a candidate must be a citizen of India and at least 25 years of age. The individual should also be registered as an elector in any parliamentary constituency and not be disqualified from voting due to any corrupt practices or offences.

Furthermore, candidates must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which outlines specific disqualifications related to conviction for certain offences, holding an office of profit under the government, and being of unsound mind. The intention behind these eligibility criteria is to ensure that individuals who are of the appropriate age, citizenship, and legal standing are able to participate in the democratic process of the Lok Sabha elections.

Constituencies and delimitation process

During the delimitation process, the boundaries of parliamentary constituencies are redefined to ensure fair representation based on population shifts. This exercise is carried out by a Delimitation Commission formed by the President of India every ten years or as needed. The goal is to divide the country into Lok Sabha constituencies with approximately equal numbers of voters, taking into account factors like geography, demographics, and administrative convenience.

The Delimitation Commission considers population data, geographic features, and the density of voters to redraw constituency boundaries. This ensures that each constituency has a comparable number of voters in order to uphold the principle of one person, one vote. The boundaries are redrawn in a manner that aims to prevent malapportionment and gerrymandering, thereby promoting electoral equality and fairness in the representation of citizens.

Nomination process for candidates

Candidates vying for the Lok Sabha elections must adhere to a set of guidelines during the nomination process. Firstly, individuals must be Indian citizens and meet the minimum age requirement of 25 years. Additionally, they must be registered as voters in any parliamentary constituency.

Moreover, candidates must submit a set of documents, including a duly filled nomination form, a copy of their electoral roll entry, and a declaration stating their assets, liabilities, and criminal record, if any. The nomination papers must be filed within a specified timeframe, and candidates must also deposit a nominal fee as per the regulations set by the Election Commission.

Campaigning and election expenses

During Lok Sabha elections, candidates are required to adhere to strict guidelines regarding their campaigning efforts and expenditure. The Election Commission of India imposes limits on the amount that can be spent by each candidate during the campaign period. This is done to promote fair competition and ensure that candidates do not resort to unfair practices due to excessive spending.

Candidates must maintain detailed records of their campaign expenses and submit them to the Election Commission for scrutiny. Any violations of the expenditure limits can result in disqualification of the candidate. The goal is to create a level playing field for all candidates and prevent the influence of money in electoral outcomes. Transparency in campaign financing is crucial to uphold the democratic principles of free and fair elections.

Voting process and polling stations

On the day of the Lok Sabha elections, voters are required to cast their vote at designated polling stations located throughout their respective constituencies. Polling stations are strategically set up to ensure easy access for voters residing in different areas within the constituency. Voters must visit the specific polling station assigned to them based on their residential address mentioned in their voter identification card.

Upon reaching the polling station, voters are required to present their voter ID card to the polling officials for verification. After confirming their identity, voters are issued a ballot paper or directed to an electronic voting machine (EVM) to cast their vote for their chosen candidate. The voting process is conducted under strict supervision to maintain transparency and integrity, ensuring that each voter is able to exercise their right to vote freely and without any interference.