Election Voting Process and use of Voting Machine - 2009
The General Elections are conducted by the Election Commission of India - External website that opens in a new window and follow an intricate process. All Indian citizens who are 18 years of age and above may enrol themselves as voters in the electoral rolls - External website that opens in a new window. The total voters after revision of electoral rolls in January 2009 was approximately 714 million - External website that opens in a new window compared to 671 million in the 2004 General Elections. This is an increase of 43 million people in the electorate.
After the Election Commission declares the dates of nomination, polling and counting, the Model Code of Conduct (386 KB) (PDF file that opens in a new window) 
comes in force to prevent sudden swings in voting. This code specifies rules such as limits on campaigning funds, criticism of other political parties and regulation of processions.
Polling Day is declared a holiday to enable the citizens to cast their votes in their respective polling stations. Government servants are stationed at polling booths to oversee the handling of elections. When a citizen casts their vote, indelible ink is applied to the index finger of their left hand, to stop bogus voting. Later, the Electronic Voting Machines are kept in a room under strict security. After all the phases of the election are over, the votes will be counted. The votes of the General Election for the 15th Lok Sabha will be counted on 16th of May, 2009 and results are expected to be announced on the same day.
The party or coalition that wins the most number of seats in the Lok Sabha is invited to form the new government. This political party or coalition has to show that it is backed by at least fifty percent of members of the house in a vote of confidence. After proving the support of an absolute majority, the election process ends and a new administration comes into power. Here are answers to some Frequently Asked Questions about elections in India related to -
- Lok Sabha - External website that opens in a new window
- Model Code of Conduct (131 KB) (PDF file that opens in a new window)
- Election Process (81.7 KB) (PDF file that opens in a new window)
- Electronic Voting Machine (32.9 KB) (PDF file that opens in a new window)
The democratic election system in India enables citizens to peacefully change governments if they are not pleased with their functioning. The country has received accolades from around the world for conducting such large scale elections in a peaceful, free and fair manner. To make elections even more meaningful it is vital that every citizen should cast their vote. Increased interest and participation of society in the political process helps ensure that democracy continues to flourish in India.
'Every Vote Counts!'
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