What are the merits and demerits of an electoral competition?
Answer:
Merits:
- In an ideal world, all political leaders know what is good for the people and are motivated only by a desire to serve them.
- Our constitution makers opted for free competition in elections as the way to select our future leaders, because this system works better in the long run.
- Political leaders are motivated by a desire to advance in their political careers. They want to remain in power or get power and position for themselves for which, they can compete with other political parties.
Demerits:
- An electoral competition creates a sense of disunity and factionalism in every locality.
- Different political parties and leaders often level allegations against one another.
- Parties and candidates often use dirty tricks to win elections.