In ancient India, kings used to hold swayamvars for their daughters. This gave
the daughter the right to choose the groom she trusted enough to entrust her future
with. She would choose the man as her husband who could look after her welfare,
take care of her needs and keep her happy. It was deemed to be the duty of the chosen
groom to look after the welfare of the bride.
In modern India, elections are like the swayamvars through which the people
of this country, you and me, choose from among the list of candidates the one who
can take the best care of our welfare. The candidate we vote for should regard it
as his/her foremost duty to work for the people who voted him to power.
India, in its size, population and resources is the biggest parliamentary democracy
of the world. In terms of its electorate it is also the world’s largest participatory
political system based on universal adult franchise, which is effectively exercised
at regular periodic elections at all levels of governance – from the grassroots
three-tier Panchayati Raj and Nagarpalikas to the state assemblies and Parliament.
Before You Vote
The Process
The Election Commission
Why Should You Vote?