The Scenario
In Grade 8 of Suryodaya School, three students (Ahmed, Gurmat, Ravi) contested for Class Representative. Ms. Usha (teacher) acted as the Election Officer.
Analysis Questions
1. What was the role that Ms. Usha played? Why was it important?
- Role: Election Officer (similar to the Election Commission).
- Importance: She ensured the process was fair, rules were followed, secrecy was maintained, and the counting was transparent. Without a neutral referee, elections can be manipulated.
2. Why was it important to organize a braille ballot paper for Neha?
- Inclusivity: Democracy includes everyone. Neha has a right to vote independently and secretly just like others.
- Universal Franchise: This mirrors the ECI’s efforts to provide facilities for Persons with Disabilities (PwD).
3. Why was it important to have a secret ballot?
- If voting was public (e.g., raising hands), students might feel pressured to vote for their friends or fear bullying. Secrecy ensures the vote reflects their true choice.
4. Gurmat won with 12 votes out of 33. Is this fair?
- System: This is the First-Past-The-Post system used in India.
- Logic: The candidate with the highest votes wins, even if they don’t have a majority (>50%). While it’s simple, it means 21 students (who voted for Ahmed and Ravi) are represented by someone they didn’t pick.
5. What considerations might students have had while choosing?
- Issues: Cleanliness (Ahmed) vs. Peer Learning (Gurmat) vs. Arts (Ravi).
- Personal Bias: Friendship or popularity.
- Capability: Who is more responsible?
- This mirrors real elections where voters weigh manifestos against personality.