Topic: Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
2. Election-related corruption prevents citizens from exercising their right to vote freely, leads to pay-outs, and has unjustified repercussions. Examine the efficacy of electoral offences under the Representation of People’s Act, 1951 in having free and fair elections. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Insights on India
Why the question:
The question is part of the static syllabus of General studies paper – 2 and mentioned as part of Mission-2023 Secure timetable.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about Representation of People’s Act, 1951 and its role in preventing electoral offences.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving the aims and objectives of Representation of People’s Act, 1951.
Body:
First, write about the various corrupt practises in elections, its extent and its impact.
Next, discuss about the provisions under Representation of People’s Act, 1951 in order to deal with corrupt electoral practises.
Next, write about efficacy on Representation of People’s Act, 1951 to deal with the above. Mention its successes and limitations. Substantiate with examples.
Conclusion:
Conclude by summarising and changes needed to empower Representation of People’s Act, 1951.
