Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Indian Presidential election is a unique process where the value of an elector’s vote isn’t uniform. It’s determined by a formula that considers both the population and the number of elected members in the State Legislative Assembly and Parliament. This system, enshrined in the Constitution, aims to balance the representation of states with larger populations and those with smaller populations. Understanding the calculation of these values is fundamental to comprehending the electoral college for the President of India.
Determining the Value of MLA Vote
The value of the vote of a Member of the State Legislative Assembly (MLA) is calculated based on the following formula, as per Article 55(2) of the Constitution:
Value of MLA vote = (Total population of the State / Number of MLAs in the State Assembly) x 1/Number of elected MLAs in Parliament
This means the value is proportional to the state’s population and inversely proportional to the number of MLAs it has. The denominator ensures that the total value of all MLA votes across all states remains consistent.
Determining the Value of MP Vote
The value of the vote of a Member of Parliament (MP) is calculated as follows:
Value of MP vote = 1/Number of elected MLAs in Parliament x Total value of MLA votes
Essentially, the total value of all MLA votes is divided by the total number of elected MPs (Rajya Sabha + Lok Sabha) to determine the value of each MP’s vote. This ensures that the combined weight of MPs’ votes is equal to the combined weight of MLAs’ votes.
Illustrative Comparison
The following table illustrates the difference in vote value based on the 2011 census data (knowledge cutoff):
| Category | Calculation Basis | Approximate Value (as of 2017 Presidential Election) |
|---|---|---|
| MLA (Uttar Pradesh) | Population/MLAs x 1/Total MPs | 208 |
| MLA (Sikkim) | Population/MLAs x 1/Total MPs | 7 |
| MP (Lok Sabha) | Total MLA Value / Total MPs | 708 |
| MP (Rajya Sabha) | Total MLA Value / Total MPs | 708 |
As evident, the value of an MLA’s vote varies significantly based on the state’s population. MPs, however, have a uniform vote value.
Constitutional Basis & Amendments
Article 55 of the Constitution deals with the manner of electing the President. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments (1992) impacted the calculation by including the population figures from the 1971 census for the purpose of determining the value of MLA votes. This was done to encourage family planning and discourage states from increasing their population to gain a higher vote value. The 84th Amendment Act, 2001, further adjusted the basis for calculation to the 2000 population figures, again aiming to disincentivize population growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the value assigned to the vote of an MLA and an MP in the Presidential elections is determined by a carefully calibrated formula that balances population representation with the overall composition of the electoral college. The constitutional amendments reflect a deliberate attempt to influence demographic policies by linking electoral weight to population control. This system, while complex, ensures a broad-based and representative election of the Head of State.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.