Election Explainers

Every party registers. Only a few are recognised, and only the recognised ones get a reserved symbol. That distinction decides a lot.

The rules that bind parties, candidates and governments from the moment an election is announced. It is not a law, and that matters.

An Assembly constituency is the geographic unit that elects one MLA. Understanding it explains most of what confuses people about Indian election results.

One vote, one constituency, one winner. A plain-language tour of how India actually elects its legislatures.

Two separate restrictions, often confused. One silences campaigning for 48 hours. The other silences exit polls for weeks.