ABSTRACT
This chapter undertakes an overview of the growth of electoral system, emergence of political parties, party manifestos and elections before independence. The purpose of this chapter is to analyse the constitutional reforms undertaken by the British Government in India, primarily for providing political representation to the people. The political representation of the people significantly impacted the emergence of political parties, electoral system and party manifestos before independence.
It also deals with the beginning of elections in India: Lord Ripon’s Resolution of 1882, Indian Councils Act of 1892, Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909, the emergence of political parties, the electoral system under the Act of 1909, the elections conducted under the Act, the shortcomings noticed under the elections and the Lucknow Pact of 1916.
This chapter also deals with the Montague-Chelmsford Report and the Act of 1919, the changes brought out in the franchise as recommended by Lord Southborough and the composition of the Legislative Council. It also provides information regarding the eight provinces and the composition of urban and rural electors, the electoral system under the Act of 1919, a brief outline of the Muddiman Enquiry Committee of 1924 and some significant aspects of election of 1920, 1923, 1926 and 1930.
It also contains significant aspects of: the Simon Commission Report, the Communal Award, the Poona Pact and the Government of India Act of 1935 (especially in reference to the changes made in the electoral system and the composition of electors). It covers the election manifestos and elections conducted during 1937. It also briefly covers the development after October 1939: the August Offer 1940, the Cripps Proposals 1942 and the Quit India Resolution 1942. Besides, it discusses the elections of 1945–1946 including the manifestos of Indian National Congress, Muslim League and Communist Party along with the party-wise composition of Provincial Assemblies.
