Election Explainers

Women’s Reservation in the Lok Sabha and Assemblies

A group of women of different ages walk confidently together on the wide steps of a grand legislature building

The law reserving a third of Lok Sabha and Assembly seats for women is in force, yet no seat is reserved. Here is what it covers and what it is waiting for.

What Is a Legislative Council?

A woman member speaks in a Legislative Council chamber as colleagues listen from wooden benches

Only six states have a Legislative Council. Here is who sits in it, how members get there, and how graduates and teachers can vote for MLCs directly.

How MPs and MLAs Can Be Disqualified

A legislator walks out alone through the tall doors of a legislature building as colleagues watch

A conviction, an office of profit or defection can cost an MP or MLA their seat. Here is how each ground works, who decides, and what happens next.

Who Runs Panchayat and Municipal Elections?

A woman sarpanch addresses villagers of all ages gathered under a large banyan tree

Your panchayat and ward elections are not run by the Election Commission of India. Here is who runs them, and why the rules and even the voter list can differ.

How Candidates File Nominations

A woman candidate walks up the steps of a district government office with two companions

Between the notification and the last date, candidates file papers, declare their assets and criminal cases, and survive scrutiny. Many do not.

Older News »