The Constitution of India gives every adult (18 years or above of age) the right to chose representatives through the exercise of his right to vote. There are no conditions attached to this right. Under British rule too, there was some form of representative government but the right to vote was restricted to around one sixth of adults who would have been eligible under universal franchise. Our Constitution has now extended political powers down the common man. The voters exercise their right to vote to elect representatives to the Lok Sabha, the State Legislative Assemblies and the Local bodies down to the Gram Panchayat. The Election Process: The framers of the Constitution were well aware of the importance of free and fair elections in a democracy. The Constitution as such provides for an Election Commission not answerable to the executive. The Chief Election Commissioner is appointed by the President and is assisted by a number of other Election Commissioners. The independence of the Commission is ensured by providing that the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed from office only though a process of impeachment as prescribed in case of Judges of the Supreme Court. The Election Commission functions with the help of the staff of the Central and State governments. When deployed on election duty, these officers and officials of central and State governments are deemed to be on deputation to the Commission. The Commission is assisted by Chief Electoral Officers who assist in the preparation and revision of electoral rolls. First past the Post System of Elections: Elections in India are held under this system. The whole country is divided into constituencies. Voters select a single candidate by marking against the candidate of their choice or through electronic voting machines. The candidate who secures the highest number of votes