First-Past-the-Post in India: The need for an alternative system of Electoral Winner Determination

Abstract

First-Past-the-Post has remained India’s practiced method of Electoral Winner Determination since the first General Election in 1951-’52. The operational simplicity of First-Past-the-Post rendered it most suitable to the socio-political exigencies prevalent at the inception of the Indian Republic - consequently, the many shortcomings of First-Past-the-Post could be temporarily overlooked in lieu of its value in that context. However, times have changed and India has evolved. Contemporary India has gained in political maturity, administrative capability, and resource availability, and is hence well prepared to adopt and adapt to a more effective system of Electoral Winner Determination than First-Past-the-Post. It is imperative, therefore, that India should immediately prioritize a serious exploration of alternatives to First-Past-the-Post as a system of Electoral Winner Determination.