Which of the following conditions must be fulfilled for an election to be considered strictly 'democratic'? 1. Every vote should have equal value. 2. Elections must be held at regular intervals. 3. Candidates must possess a minimum educational qualification to ensure competent governance. 4. The candidate with the least votes should get elected. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Correct Option The correct option is (a). Explanation Democratic elections are defined by specific universal principles that ensure the will of the people is accurately reflected in governance. These principles distinguish democratic processes from non-democratic selections, focusing on inclusivity, political equality, and accountability. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: A fundamental tenet of democracy is political equality. This implies the principle of "One Person, One Vote, One Value," ensuring that every eligible citizen's preference carries equal weight in the electoral process without discrimination. - Statement 2 is Correct: Democracy requires that the authority of the government is not permanent. Elections must be held at regular intervals to allow citizens to review the performance of the representatives and renew or change their mandate. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Educational qualifications are not a mandatory condition for an election to be democratic. Restricting candidacy based on education would exclude a significant portion of the population from the right to contest, thereby violating the democratic principle of inclusivity. Political competence is primarily judged by the ability to understand and represent public interests, not by academic degrees. - Statement 4 is Incorrect: Democratic elections operate on the principle that the representative chosen by the largest number of people (majority or plurality) should govern. Electing a candidate with the least votes contradicts the core definition of democracy as rule by the consent of the people. Key Takeaway The essential conditions for a democratic election include Universal Adult Franchise (equal value of votes), regular intervals for elections, freedom to contest without unreasonable restrictions (such as educational bars), and a free and fair process where the people's choice prevails.

NCERT Class 9 Political Science — Chapter 3: Electoral politics

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Which of the following conditions must be fulfilled for an election to be considered strictly 'democratic'?

Every vote should have equal value.
Elections must be held at regular intervals.
Candidates must possess a minimum educational qualification to ensure competent governance.
The candidate with the least votes should get elected.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C3 and 4 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Democratic elections are defined by specific universal principles that ensure the will of the people is accurately reflected in governance. These principles distinguish democratic processes from non-democratic selections, focusing on inclusivity, political equality, and accountability.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: A fundamental tenet of democracy is political equality. This implies the principle of "One Person, One Vote, One Value," ensuring that every eligible citizen's preference carries equal weight in the electoral process without discrimination.
Statement 2 is Correct: Democracy requires that the authority of the government is not permanent. Elections must be held at regular intervals to allow citizens to review the performance of the representatives and renew or change their mandate.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Educational qualifications are not a mandatory condition for an election to be democratic. Restricting candidacy based on education would exclude a significant portion of the population from the right to contest, thereby violating the democratic principle of inclusivity. Political competence is primarily judged by the ability to understand and represent public interests, not by academic degrees.
Statement 4 is Incorrect: Democratic elections operate on the principle that the representative chosen by the largest number of people (majority or plurality) should govern. Electing a candidate with the least votes contradicts the core definition of democracy as rule by the consent of the people.

Key Takeaway

The essential conditions for a democratic election include Universal Adult Franchise (equal value of votes), regular intervals for elections, freedom to contest without unreasonable restrictions (such as educational bars), and a free and fair process where the people's choice prevails.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Electoral politics

Consider the following statements regarding the election campaign period in India: 1. The official campaign period is usually six months. 2. Political parties prepare for elections well before the official campaign period begins. 3. During the campaign, candidates contact voters and mobilize supporters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following best describes the role of 'Agents' of candidates inside the polling booth?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI): 1. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) is appointed by the President of India. 2. The CEC is answerable to the President and can be removed by the President if the ruling party is dissatisfied. 3. Government officers on election duty work under the control of the government, not the ECI. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Which of the following powers is NOT exercised by the Election Commission of India?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the "Electronic Voting Machines" (EVMs): 1. Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are used to record the votes of the citizens. 2. EVMs display only the party symbols and not the names of the candidates. 3. Independent candidates are not allotted any election symbol on the EVM. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Keep practising Chapter 3: Electoral politics

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Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: A fundamental tenet of democracy is political equality. This implies the principle of "One Person, One Vote, One Value," ensuring that every eligible citizen's preference carries equal weight in the electoral process without discrimination.
Statement 2 is Correct: Democracy requires that the authority of the government is not permanent. Elections must be held at regular intervals to allow citizens to review the performance of the representatives and renew or change their mandate.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Educational qualifications are not a mandatory condition for an election to be democratic. Restricting candidacy based on education would exclude a significant portion of the population from the right to contest, thereby violating the democratic principle of inclusivity. Political competence is primarily judged by the ability to understand and represent public interests, not by academic degrees.
Statement 4 is Incorrect: Democratic elections operate on the principle that the representative chosen by the largest number of people (majority or plurality) should govern. Electing a candidate with the least votes contradicts the core definition of democracy as rule by the consent of the people.