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Picture Courtesy:  THE HINDU 

Context:

Indian Prime Minister and new German Chancellor discuss global issues and reaffirm unity against terrorism.

Key Points from the Conversation

• Combating Terrorism => Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to fight terrorism in all forms. PM Modi stressed that India and Germany “stand united” against terrorism.
• Strengthening Strategic Partnership => They agreed to boost cooperation in:
• Trade & Investment
• Defense & Security
• Technology & Innovation
• Regional & Global Issues => Exchanged views on current geopolitical developments.
• Diplomatic Invitation => PM Modi invited Chancellor Merz to visit India. Both agreed to stay in regular contact.

Elections in India v/s Germany

Electoral Systems

India uses a first-past-the-post (FPTP) system for its general elections. Voters choose one candidate per constituency, and the candidate with the most votes wins a seat in the Lok Sabha, lower house of parliament.

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) oversees this process across 543 constituencies.
• Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) ensure quick, secure voting, and voters mark their choice with a finger-ink to prevent fraud.
• The party or coalition with a majority (272+ seats) forms the government, and its leader becomes the Prime Minister.

Germany employs a mixed-member proportional (MMP) system for its federal elections to the Bundestag, the lower house of parliament. Voters cast two votes: one for a direct candidate in their constituency (like India’s FPTP) and another for a party list.

• The first vote elects 299 constituency representatives, while the second determines the overall proportion of seats for each party in the 630-seat Bundestag.
• Parties need at least 5% of the second vote or three direct seats to enter parliament. This system balances local representation with proportional fairness.

Constitutional Structure

India => Parliamentary democracy with a ceremonial President and powerful Prime Minister. States have powers under a federal structure.

Germany => “Chancellor’s Democracy”: The Chancellor sets policy direction. The President is ceremonial. States hold significant autonomy, and the Bundesrat (upper house) can veto state-related laws.

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Comparison of India & US Election 

 Source: 

THE HINDU