Types of Election

There are two major types of elections. Direct and Indirect which we will discuss further in Week 3.

Direct Election:

Direct election involves the voters casting their votes directly in a political election for candidates of their choice and that will represent them either in the executiveThe executive, also referred to as the executive branch or executive power, is the term commonly used to describe that part of government which enforces the law and has overall responsibility... More or legislatureThe legislative branch of government is responsible for making laws within a country. Legislatures are made up of people called legislators who, in democracies, are elected by the country’s population More without interference.

Indirect Election:

In an Indirect election, the candidate or representatives are not chosen by the electorateall the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election. More directly. The electorate first elects an electoral collegeAn electoral college is a set of electors who are selected to elect candidates to particular offices. More which in turn elects the representatives of the people.

Other Types of Elections:

Primaries (Primary Election):

It is a first or preliminary election usually held within a political party to appoint delegates that will represent a party in a national conference or election.

 Referendum:

A referendum is a type of election where people vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on public policy or an important political issue or question e.g. a proposed constitutional change. Referendum guides government decisions.

Plebiscite:

This is a type of direct voting in a state in which the people vote to agree or disagree with a given policy or question of public importance e.g. a proposed constitutional change, boundary dispute, issues of minorities in a political set-up, etc. It is also a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote.

Bye-election:

This is a type of election conducted to fill vacant elective posts, due to disqualification, death, impeachment or resignation of the individual holding that office.

This type is only conducted in the constituency where the vacancy occurred, therefore only registered voters in that particular constituency are allowed to vote, and the winner will only serve for the remaining period.

The Process of Recall/Recall Election:

In this type of election, voters can oust elected officials, executive officers or judges before their official terms have ended. An election follows immediately to fill the vacant positions.