Centre for Constitution and Public Policy (CCPP), University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS) Panjab University, Chandigarh. in Collaboration with

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1 Centre for Constitution and Public Policy (CCPP), University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), Chandigarh in Collaboration with Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom is organising INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON ELECTORAL SYSTEM: DEMOCRACY, LAWS AND ISSUES Saturday, March 9, 2019 at University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS), P.U. Chandigarh CHIEF PATRON Prof. Raj Kumar Vice Chancellor, VICE PRESIDENT/ CONVENER Dr. Shruti Bedi Associate Professor, University Institute of Legal Studies, PRESIDENT Prof. Rattan Singh Director, University Institute of Legal Studies,

2 Centre for Constitution and Public Policy Nottingham Trent University Centre for Constitution and Public Policy is an initiative of the University Institute of Legal Studies,. The Centre promotes the study of and research into issues of constitutional law, comparative constitutional law and interfaces with public policy. The work of the Centre feeds into the University s Constitutional Law and Public Policy Courses. The Centre also aims at developing an aptitude amongst the students to develop a critical eye into the public policy matters affecting the world as well as to enhance their knowledge regarding the importance, impact and varying nuances of the constitutional provisions, national and international alike. These aims are achieved by conducting seminars, special lectures and panel discussions. The Centre encourages student activities around issues of public policy and research in the area. University Institute of Legal Studies, Panjab University is one of the premier legal institutions. With a mission to equip students with legal skills, it offers them a multi disciplinary environment. The teaching faculty are all experts in their respective fields. Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is a public university located in the British city of Nottingham. The university dates back to 1843 when it opened as the Nottingham Government School of Design. With the motto shaping futures, NTU offers over 500 different degree programmes to around 27,000 students across three campuses and overseen by nine different academic schools. It is also a recipient of The Queen s Anniversary Prize the UK s highest honour for research activities. The Nottingham Trent University aims at building a university of the future a forward-looking institution that changes lives by empowering and inspiring students, staff and alumni by valuing their ideas, providing innovative support to businesses; through award-winning research; and through a global network of alumni as well as expert teaching and support staff.

3 About the Seminar Free and fair elections are the fulcrum of a democracy. It reflects the will of the people. It echoes the spirit of the people who have chosen a certain legal system for themselves. A democracy means and displays the sovereignty of the people. The electoral system of the country ensures and guarantees this sovereignty. Democracy is defined and justified by the equality, quantity and quality of people s participation in the electoral process. In the recent times, we have had to deal with issues of fraud, corruption, archaic technologies, impersonation, bribery, switching political parties, criminalisation of politics etc. in the electoral process. These practices constitute a crime against democracy. To avoid election maladministration, the attempt must be to make the electoral system less corrupt, fairer and more responsive for the people. The electoral practices must therefore, meet the constitutional mandates. Scholars and policymakers need to focus on improvement of voting technologies for recording accurate votes, honesty in political campaigning, increasing voter participation, regulating campaign finance, shaping voters perceptions, enfranchisement of the disenfranchised etc. amongst many other related issues. The morale of a democracy depends on ensuring a fair electoral system. Election law reforms are therefore, the need of the hour. However, while suggesting and implementing such reforms the achievement of goals must not be illusory. Recuperating and cleansing the electoral processes through reformatory practices will enhance the barometer of a democracy. This International Seminar offers an opportunity to experts, viz. academicians, policymakers, researchers, lawyers, judges, government representatives, media representatives and students to organize and share their thoughts and research on the laws, issues and reforms in the electoral systems of a democracy.

4 Themes of Conference The seminar, though not restricted to, will provide a platform to deliberate and propose suggestions on the following issues: Democracy and its Electoral Challenges Electoral Legislation and Right to vote Electoral dynamics and Constitutional design Majoritarian v. Proportional Electoral System Demystification of Election Laws Voting Technologies and Voting Rights Political Campaigning Finance Qualifications of Political Candidates Politics of Communalism in Elections De-criminalisation of Elections Role of Media in Elections Politics of Defection Exit Polls and Opinion Polls Election Code of Conduct Disqualification of Legislators CALL FOR PAPERS Research papers are invited from the academicians, practitioners, research scholars and students on the issues related to the themes. The quality based selected paper will be published in the form of a Book with International Standards Book Number. Only full papers submitted on or before the deadline shall be considered for publication. The authors of selected abstracts will be given an opportunity to present their papers during various sessions on the day of the seminar.

5 Submission guidelines Delegates are requested to adhere to the following guidelines to facilitate the submission process. Abstract Submission Delegates are requested to send an abstract of 200 to 300 words as an attachment in a soft copy in word document with the following information to uilsccpp@gmail.com latest by January 30, Name of the delegate(s) Designation/Institution Details/Occupation Address and id Title of the abstract Abstract Selected abstracts will be acknowledged by February 05, Submission of full-length paper Paper should be original, relevant and clear. Format and Specifications required Font: Times New Roman, 12pt, 1.5 spacing Footnote: Times New Roman, 10pt., 1.0 spacing Alignment: Justified Sheet: A4 Size with 1 Margin on all sides Citation : Uniform Style of Citation Length: Max words (exclusive of footnotes) Delegates are requested to send their full papers to uilsccpp@gmail.com on or before February 15, TIMELINE Abstract Submission: January 30, 2019 Registration/Fee Payment by : February 10, 2019 Submission of Full Paper: February 15, 2019 Conference Day: Mach 09, 2019 Registration fee for the Delegates Faculty Members, Academicians and Professionals: Rs. 2000/- Research Scholars and Students: Rs.1000/- Co-Authors: Rs.500/- Mode of Payment The registration fee should be sent in the form of a demand draft, made in favour of Director, UILS, Panjab University, Chandigarh, on or before February 15, 2019 Notice No TA/DA will be provided to delegates. Delegates have to arrange their own accommodation. No paper shall be deemed to be read. For further clarification Please contact the Conference Committee Members. Dr. Bhupinder Kaur Dr. Harman Shergill Mr. Deepak Thakur Conference Secretaries Ms. Nikita Sharma Mr. Aayush Gupta Google form: Submission of Abstract Registration Fee Submission of Full Paper