A comprehensive guide to election-related terms and concepts used throughout our platform.
A coalition of political parties that contest elections together and share seats. Examples include NDA (National Democratic Alliance) and UPA (United Progressive Alliance).
An election held to fill a vacant seat in a legislature between general elections. This can occur due to death, resignation, or disqualification of the incumbent representative.
A geographical area that elects one representative to a legislative body. In India, Lok Sabha constituencies elect Members of Parliament (MPs), while Assembly constituencies elect Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
All eligible voters registered in a constituency who have the right to vote in an election.
The electoral system used in India where the candidate with the most votes wins, regardless of whether they receive a majority. This system can result in a party winning more seats than its vote share suggests.
A constituency where candidates from any community can contest, as opposed to reserved constituencies.
The lower house of India's Parliament, consisting of members elected from parliamentary constituencies across the country. The Lok Sabha has a maximum strength of 543 elected members.
The difference in votes between the winning candidate and the runner-up. A smaller margin indicates a closely contested election.
None of the Above - an option on the ballot that allows voters to reject all candidates. Votes cast for NOTA are counted but do not affect the election outcome.
Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) reserved constituencies, where only candidates from these communities can contest elections. This ensures representation of marginalized communities.
The number or percentage of constituencies won by a party or alliance. Seat share determines the actual representation in the legislature, which may differ from vote share due to the first-past-the-post system.
The change in vote share of a party or alliance compared to the previous election. A positive swing indicates an increase in support, while a negative swing indicates a decrease.
The percentage of eligible voters who actually cast their votes in an election. Calculated as (votes polled / total electors) × 100.
The legislative assembly of a state in India. Members are elected from assembly constituencies within the state.
The percentage of total votes received by a party or candidate in an election. It indicates the proportion of voters who supported a particular party or candidate.
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