Election in India: Marching Towards Egotropic Voting Behaviour

Egotropic (pocketbook) voting observed in the recent Indian elections, including the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the Bihar Assembly, has demonstrated a significant and substantial influence on voter decisions, although it is part of a complex interplay of factors that shape voting behaviour. In the Indian context, "egotropic voting" denotes a type of economic voting where individuals base their electoral choices on their personal or household economic circumstances rather than on broader economic indicators. While appeals based on identity, such as caste and religion, continue to hold sway, the impact of economic self-interest through egotropic voting is particularly pronounced when voters perceive themselves as directly affected by economic challenges like rising prices, unemployment, and fluctuations in wages. Research conducted during the 18th Lok Sabha elections in 2024 indicates that numerous voters evaluated the performance of incumbents through the lens of their personal economic situations, including employment status, inflation rates, and changes in income, and these evaluations significantly shaped their political preferences. In certain states, especially where governments prioritize direct benefit transfers (such as LPG subsidies or cash assistance programs, freebie), there is more evident support for egotropic voting, although this is frequently intertwined with identity-based or sociotropic assessments.

While egotropic voting in India tends to promote short-term economic populism, it also contributes to fiscal imbalances, economic volatility, and governance issues that can adversely impact the overall economy. Egotropic voting—where voters primarily make decisions based on their immediate personal economic interests rather than the broader national welfare—can lead to several detrimental effects on the Indian economy. This voting behavior often encourages politicians to prioritise short-term, populist initiatives at the cost of sustainable growth and prudent fiscal management.

Egotropic voting promotes an increase in direct transfers, subsidies, and short-term consumption expenditures by governments prior to elections, which frequently results in elevated fiscal deficits and public debt. Empirical data from India indicates a trend of rising deficits followed by economic slowdowns after elections, consistent with the predictions of political business cycle theory.

Pre-election expenditure increases aimed at influencing voters can trigger inflation, particularly in the aftermath of elections, as fiscal stimulus may overheat the economy in the short term. After election periods, economic growth often stagnates, accompanied by high inflation and unemployment, which undermines overall economic stability and adversely affects long-term economic prospects. The emphasis on personal benefits and immediate gains leads to a diversion of public spending towards populist initiatives instead of investments that would enhance productivity or infrastructure. Over time, this focus suppresses capital formation and neglects to address structural economic weaknesses, hindering sustained improvements in living standards.

Given that most voters may not possess expertise in complex economic matters, their concentration on immediate personal economic situations can lead to poorly informed decisions, occasionally endorsing unsustainable subsidy-based or deficit-financed policies. Such voting behaviors perpetuate a cycle in which politicians avoid making tough choices, further diminishing the quality of governance and the prospects for long-term prosperity. It is essential to raise awareness and provide education that underscores the impact of national economic conditions on community welfare and long-term prosperity, extending beyond immediate personal finances.

It is crucial to promote political dialogue and framing that highlight broader societal advantages and national economic narratives. This involves designing electoral campaigns and policy platforms that resonate with voters' concerns for collective interests, such as economic competitiveness, social cohesion, and national sustainability, while also supporting civic engagement initiatives that cultivate social preferences and a sense of shared responsibility among voters for the well-being of the country.

In summary, Government should adopt strategies that can redirect voter attention from narrow self-interest to a more sociotropic viewpoint. It potentially results in improved, equitable electoral outcomes and enhanced democratic accountability grounded in considerations of collective welfare.

Prof. MK Sinha,

Professor of Economics.

Nagaland University, Lumami.