Critically examine the procedures through which the Presidents of India and France are elected. (UPSC CSE Mains 2022 - General Studies Paper 2)
The state of France is an example of a Semi-presidential system of government. The French republic is governed by the president, prime minister, and cabinet. The prime minister of the country leads the policies related to the republic; while, the president leads the foreign-related policies. The semi-presidential system includes the features of the presidential system of government, along with the parliamentary system of government. In this system, the president is elected through universal adult suffrage and his tenure is also fixed. However, it must be noted that this system of government has evolved with time. In many states, the prime minister and the president have authority and power which is equal in nature. While, in other states, the authority is either in the hands of the prime minister or the president. President of India and President of France are executive head of the state. As the executive head of the state both the offices enjoy certain ceremonial positions as commander-in-chief of their respective armed forces.
Similarities between election procedure of President of India and France
- Election is held after every 5 years.
- There are rounds of election procedures till the candidate secures absolute majority.
- Both the Presidents have to secure absolute majority though from different college of electors to win the election.
Dissimilarities between election procedure of President of India and France
- The President of France is elected by universal adult franchise. On the other hand, the President of India is elected by the elected members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies.
- The nomination of President of India requires 50 electors as proposers and 50 electors as seconders, whereas President of France requires 500 elected officials as proposers.
- The French presidential election is split up into two rounds. In the first round, people can vote for any of the candidates that have gathered the 500 signatures. If no candidate receives an absolute majority, then in second round candidate can vote for only remaining candidate who emerged first and second in first and second round.
- There is no procedure of security deposits in French Presidential elections unlike Indian Presidential election.
Despite the differences in the procedure of election, their role as head of the respective republics to embark on the road of growth and development of nation and their ability to maintain social harmony in diverse nation are equally similar.
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