Do you vote in political elections?
Voting is crucial for citizens in a democracy. It ensures accountable governance and shapes national policies. India’s electoral process reflects people’s aspirations and hopes, making it essential for citizens to vote judiciously. With a vast electorate, active participation can drive change. It can improve living standards. Informed voting directly impacts the nation’s future.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Voting is essential in a democracy; it ensures accountability and shapes national policies.
- The Election Commission of India oversees elections, aiding in proper conduct and preparation.
- Illegal migrants pose a significant threat to national security and electoral integrity.
- Voter turnout was 65.79% in the 2024 elections, highlighting the importance of participation.
- Democracy thrives on informed voting and collective responsibility for shaping the nation’s future.
Introduction
Democracy is not new. Its values are ingrained in the Indian ethos and system. Sabha and Samiti of Vedic India, to “Ganarajya” (Republic) of Licchavi, testify to the deep-rooted tradition of Indian democracy. People in ancient India used to sit together and discuss problems and ways to solve problems collectively. In case of disagreements, they would try to reach a decision through consensus or voting. It is rightly said that India is the mother of democracy. (Bharat: The Mother of Democracy)
Voting is crucial
Voting is fundamental to democracy, where everyone’s opinion matters. It is a system where each individual is a responsible citizen. To vote is not a ritual nor a compulsion but a pious duty of every citizen. People’s votes are not only to choose a government but also to elect their representative. Democracy is a reflection of people’s aspirations and expectations. It translates into votes to choose those who work for them and the country as a whole. It ensures a government which is accountable and answerable. The representatives are the watchdogs of national and public interest.
(a) Election Commission of India
Except for certain exigencies or mid-term elections, general elections are a quinquennial occurrence. It is a massive exercise involving many aspects. A constitutional body, the Election Commission of India (ECI), performs it. Established under Article 324 of the Constitution of India, ECI is autonomous. The Commission is led by a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). There are also two Election Commissioners (EC). The President of India appoints CEC and ECs.
(b) Preparation and conduct
There are two Acts which govern the preparation and process of elections in India. The Representation of the People Act 1950 focuses on the delimitation of constituencies and the number of Parliamentary seats. It also involves the preparation of a correct and exhaustive voter list. The Act of 1951 (The Representation of the People Act 1951) addresses the conduct of elections. It also covers the registration of political parties and the prevention of corrupt practices.
(c) Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
The precursor of a fair election is a correct and up-to-date voter list. There is a provision for this in Section 21 of the Act 1950. The Act mandates about preparation and revision of the voter list. (The Act)
Besides, there is a provision for special revision of the voter list, as and when required. Section 21(3) of the Act 1950 says:
“21(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2), the Election Commission may at any time, for reasons to be recorded, direct a special revision of the electoral roll for any constituency or part of a constituency in such manner as it may think fit:
Provided that subject to the other provisions of this Act, the electoral roll for the constituency, as in force at the time of the issue of any such direction, shall continue to be in force until the completion of the special revision so directed.”
(d) Why Special revision?
Society is expanding. People relocate to another place for a job and work. Their addresses change. Due to casualty, some may no longer be existing in the mortal world. The revision is thus necessary to remove the names of those who are not present or relocated. The duplicate names are corrected based on the principle of one citizen, one vote. The object is “No elector is left behind.” The pressing circumstances necessitate the process of extensive revision. One of the main reasons is the menace of illegal migrants from neighbouring countries. The illegal migrants are the greatest drain on the national resources and the rights of bona fide citizens. Their name, if it is in the list, is removed. Special intensive revision is thus necessary. The last SIR was held in 2003.
Controversy
The issue of illegal migrants needs special mention, which has taken a serious turn. The illegal migrants are a potential threat and drain on the country’s resources. It should not be viewed with a “humanitarian” angle only. Their identification and eviction raised avoidable political controversy and furore. Let us look at it a little more deeply.
(a) Illegal Migrants
The problem of illegal migrants from neighbouring countries is a great threat to national security and resources. Some of them have been illegally residing in the country for decades and are getting benefits on spurious, fake documents. The trespassers even managed to sneak onto the voter list. Illegal migrants are a major global problem. Governments of various countries have taken a tough stance on them and unceremoniously deported them to their countries.
(b) Hue and cry
The problem has attracted the attention of the government and people of India alike. The illegal migrants pose a great threat to law and order. Some sections of society and political parties oppose any action against the illegal migrants for their parochial gains. They raise hue and cry to appease some. It is like preferring illegal migrants over genuine citizens.
(c) Boogeyman
Some political parties are creating a miasma of suspicion. They are also fabricating a boogeyman to halt the ongoing process of SIR. It is noteworthy that a similar process occurred in Bihar. It was completed in record time just before the Assembly polls in November 2025. Unfortunately, several BLOs (Booth Level Officers) have kicked the bucket during the ongoing SIR process. Currently, the process is being carried out in 12 States/UTs of the country. These include Uttar Pradesh, Bengal, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
Elections in India
The country was freed on 15th August 1947. The Constitution, which was prepared in two years, eleven months, and eighteen days, came into effect on 26 January 1950. The first general election held in 1952. Since then, it has been a quinquennial occurrence.
(a) Festival like atmosphere
During election the nation is drenched in election mode. Political parties start yelling and listing the shortcomings of the ruling party or alliance. Meanwhile, the ruling party or alliance presents a list of work done during its tenure. They try to lure voters based on their work and future schemes or projects. Electioneering is an essential part of a democratic system.
(b) Linchpin of democracy
Election is the linchpin of democracy. Prudent election of representatives is important.
Here comes the direct role of the people. People’s active participation in conducting elections is important. Judicious voting with a feeling of contributing to a good cause is desirable. Voters should consider the policies and practices of the political parties. They should ignore emotional appeals or other petty factors as basis for voting.
(c) Not theocratic
The country adopted a system of parliamentary democracy with the Parliament as the supreme law-making body. The nation chose a people-centric system of governance. Instead of being a theocratic state, India opted to become a secular democracy.
Defective choice is dangerous
Voting ensures active participation in shaping the policies and priorities. A defective choice can lead to an inefficient and corrupt government. In past, the country has borne the brunt of inefficient governments. Corrupt practices had become commonplace. The lackadaisical attitude led to delayed projects and manyfold increased costs. This combination was a great burden on the economy. It directly affected the living standards of the people and the international reputation.
Strong Monolith Government
Large-scale brain drains, poverty, dwindling economy and diminishing credibility were the serious issues that demanded urgent attention. Terrorism and extremism were taking their toll. A strong and monolithic government needed. The patchwork coalition governments proved inefficient and corrupt. People took the lead; the government was changed for good.
(a) Tough decisions
A strong elected government can make tough decisions. Sometimes, the decisions seem unpalatable for a moment. When considered in light of the broader national interest, these factors show a positive outlook. The government’s actions are open to public debate and discussion. The discussions, though, need to be healthy and in broader perspectives. At times, surgery, both inside and outside the country, becomes imperative to remove the malignant tumour harming the country. Here comes the power of the people’s mandate, which strengthens the government in taking tough decisions.
(b) Voting for the right ones
The choice of candidates to vote for is a personal choice and right of the franchise. Nevertheless, it must be seen that the right candidate is elected. Without swaying in a petty caste based parochial agenda, a careful observation is necessary. An informed elector can choose an effective and dedicated person as their representative. This choice results in a strong and good government.
(c) National Security
Over the past seven decades, India has experienced various challenges. The nation has faced five major wars and many skirmishes along its borders. Hostile neighbouring countries have attempted to violate the country’s sovereignty and have trespassed multiple times. The elected governments are mandated to provide safety, security and livelihood. The nation’s security and sovereignty are of prime importance. It must be taken care of.
(d) Governments changed
The country has seen how people have changed autocratic and/or inefficient governments by exercising their voting power. Whether it was the post-emergency period in 1977 or after the infighting and fragmentation of coalition partners in 1980. The latest in the 2014 elections. People’s active participation has created history.
Mammoth task
In India, the election process is long and tedious. It is because of the vast and varied topography of the nation. The scale of this process is clear. In the last general election, 2024, held from April to June, the number of voters was a whopping 98 crores! In a population of 140 crore people, this number is truly significant. Managing such a huge number is a daunting task. Conducting a free and fair election requires responsibility and missionary zeal, which ECI demonstrates. It’s really great.
Voter turnout
Voting to choose a good government is people’s responsibility. Apathy, ignorance and a supercilious attitude are not good for a democracy. The average national voter turnout was 65.79 per cent in the 2024 general election. It speaks a lot. With their collective voting power, people can shape the fate of their children. They do this by casting judicious and well-thought-out votes. Thus, we all must vote.
(a) Voting is necessary
People occasionally avoid going to the polls for different pretexts. It need not be repeated that an elector’s role is vital. It empowers one to ask questions and seek a remedy for the problems. The future depends upon the vote which a citizen casts. They are relevant, but their use to spice up the content to make it tangy and lucrative must stop. The trend, nevertheless, is on the rise. This needs a thorough introspection.
United we stand
The role of the opposition and the fourth column is crucial in highlighting many yawning problems. Asking questions is the very core of a democratic setup. It must, though, be borne in mind that the country comes first. Casualty, calamity, disaster or external aggression calls for a united action. In that case, all voices should merge. It is good that it happens. Yet, the difference is still noticeable. Avoidable criticisms and hollow questions start floating in the name of “Freedom of Speech” and are made larger than life. They cross over national boundaries, and enemy nations misuse them for their parochial, sinister motives. United we Stand, divided we fall must be the mantra of all of us.
Further readings:
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