UPSC Prelims 2017 Q76: Indian Polity – Parliament & State Legislatures
Consider the following statements:
1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50
percent of the votes polled, to be declared elected.
2. According to the provisions laid down in the Constitution of India, in Lok Sabha, the Speaker’s
post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker’s to the Opposition.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation
Winning an election, and the Speaker's post
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. In the election for Lok Sabha or State Assembly, the winning candidate must get at least 50 percent of the votes polled | Incorrect | India uses First Past the Post: the candidate with the most votes wins, even with less than 50 percent |
| 2. According to the Constitution, the Speaker's post goes to the majority party and the Deputy Speaker's to the Opposition | Incorrect | The Constitution only says the House elects both from its members (Article 93); giving the Deputy Speaker's post to the Opposition is a convention |
Election systems in India:
| Election | System | Majority needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Lok Sabha, State Assembly | First Past the Post | No; simple plurality |
| President, Vice-President, Rajya Sabha | Proportional representation by single transferable vote | Yes; a quota of votes |
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. A winning candidate needs only the most votes, not 50 percent of votes polled.
- (b) Incorrect. The Constitution has no provision allotting these posts by party.
- (c) Incorrect. Both statements are false: no 50 percent rule, and no such provisions laid down.
- (d) CORRECT. India follows First Past the Post, and the Deputy Speaker rule is only a convention.
Key point
Lok Sabha and Assembly elections use First Past the Post (plurality); Article 93 has the House elect the Speaker and Deputy Speaker; Opposition Deputy Speaker is a convention.
Remember
First Past the Post = most votes wins, not 50 percent.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a winner needs an absolute majority of the votes polled.
- Treating a parliamentary convention as a provision of the Constitution.
- Confusing the Lok Sabha election with the President's election, which needs a quota.
Exam tip
'According to the Constitution' is the trap. Many well-known practices are only conventions.
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 93
- NCERT Class XI — Indian Constitution at Work, Ch 3 (Election and Representation)