Subject: International Relations/Polity

The electoral systems for presidential elections in India and France showcase distinct democratic processes, with India following an indirect election method through an Electoral College system while France employs a direct universal suffrage system. Recently, Droupadi Murmu secured 64.03% of electoral votes to become India's first tribal President, while Emmanuel Macron won the 2022 French presidential election with a voter turnout of 71.99%.

Electoral Process in India

• Electoral College Composition:

  • Consists of elected members of both houses of Parliament (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha).
  • Includes elected members of State Legislative Assemblies.
  • Representatives from Union Territories with legislative assemblies.

• Value of Votes:

  • Each MP's vote value is determined by dividing the total population by the total elected MPs.
  • MLA's vote value is calculated based on the state's population and number of elected legislators.
  • Follows the principle of proportional representation through single transferable vote.

Electoral Process in France

• Direct Election System:

  • Citizens directly elect the President through universal adult suffrage.
  • Two-Round System if no candidate secures absolute majority in first round.
  • Top two candidates compete in the second round.

• Key Features:

  • Candidates must secure 500 signatures from elected officials.
  • Maximum of two consecutive terms allowed.
  • National Electoral Commission oversees the process.

Comparative Analysis

• Democratic Legitimacy:

  • French system ensures direct public participation.
  • Indian system balances federal and national interests.

• Electoral Efficiency:

  • France's system may require two rounds (2022 turnout: 71.99%).
  • India's process is completed in single round through weighted votes.

• Political Implications:

  • French system often leads to formation of "republican front" against extreme candidates.
  • Indian system promotes federal consensus and inter-state cooperation.

Recent reforms like the Electoral Count Reform Act in democratic systems highlight the evolving nature of presidential electoral processes. Both systems, while different, ensure democratic representation and constitutional stability through their unique mechanisms of checks and balances and democratic accountability.