Are citizens feeling oppressed by the perceived political autocracy and reminiscing about the British Raj? Is interest in the electoral process crucial to democracy waning? These burning questions are being raised across various segments of society, highlighted by the significant drop in voter turnout in elections. A major challenge before the Election Commission is how to increase voting percentage in this sector. It is essential to find ways to encourage maximum participation in the electoral process.
To achieve a high voting percentage, raising voter awareness is important, but it must go hand in hand with elevating the political discourse. Both these aspects are interlinked; without improving the quality of politics, efforts to woo voters may not yield results. If we want to keep democracy vibrant and meaningful, we must all commit to voting in large numbers. Elections are crucial for the health of our democracy.
Voting is not just a right; it is a fundamental duty we perform as an independent and sovereign nation. It is important to remember that voting day is not just a holiday or a chance to have fun; it also carries the solemn responsibility of choosing our country’s leaders and government, a responsibility that is often overlooked.
The power of politics and democracy lies in the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). After all, voting represents a significant power, and every voter needs to recognize this. The nation is ours, and so is our democracy. In this democratic setup, the vote has the greatest power. With this power, we shape our future and that of our children. Therefore, every person above the age of 18 must participate in elections. Choosing not to vote is essentially a reneging on this democratic obligation. Every voter must make an effort to engage in the electoral process despite their busy lives. Just as people take time to visit places of worship to pray for happiness and prosperity, we must view Parliament as the holy of holies of our democracy.
Elections are a celebration of this democracy, and fulfilling our responsibility of voting is equally important. Unfortunately, voting has become less of a priority for many ordinary citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of our country. They often fail to engage with the democratic process with true enthusiasm and patriotism. Many working people are eager to enjoy voting day with their families, but for young people, voting often takes a backseat. Their mindset is, “If I have time during the holiday fun, I will vote,” and if they find long queues at polling stations, they may abandon the idea altogether. This trend shows that voting is not a priority for the younger generation, and despite the efforts of elders to explain the importance of civic duty, their advice often goes unheeded. This is a significant factor contributing to voter turnout decline.
The state of politics has deteriorated to such an extent that voters often question their choice in leaders. A politician may stay with a party for many years, enjoying the benefits of power, but when they sense a possible defeat in the upcoming elections, they switch parties and start criticizing the very organization they have been a part of for so long. This behavior has eroded voters’ trust in their leaders, which is troubling for our democratic system. Seventy-five years after independence, India, the world’s largest and oldest democracy, is facing global concerns about waning faith in democracy.
Are citizens feeling oppressed by alleged political autocracy and missing the British Raj? Is there a waning interest in the electoral process crucial to democracy? These burning questions are being raised across various segments of society, highlighted by the significant drop in voter turnout in elections. The root of the issue is not just young voters; it is a collective failure to inculcate a sense of nationalism and patriotism in the new generation. Had these values been a part of their early education at home, perhaps we would not be facing this situation today.
If we take a moment to reflect on our commitment to patriotism and civic responsibilities, we may find ourselves falling short. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often forget to reflect on our duties towards our country. However, we still have time to reflect on our issues as well as national issues. We must seriously reflect on the current political direction of our country; otherwise, we run the risk of repeating the old saying, “What good does it do to regret now that the bird has eaten the crop’?”
It is important to give priority to principles in politics. Political actions should always keep the national good in mind. Before changing parties, we should think about how this decision will affect our supporters. Leaders can change quickly, but winning voters takes time. To increase voter turnout, leaders must respect the sentiments of voters and avoid playing with their emotions.
To strengthen democracy, strong ideals need to be established in politics, which can significantly increase voter participation. We need to create an environment where voters are motivated to vote voluntarily. This can only be achieved by improving the political system. To improve the political scenario, we must ensure that opportunistic leaders are kept away so that the feeling of respect for the party increases among the public.
