Voting Rights and Responsibilities

India has been observing National Voters’ Day on January 25 since its inception in 2011 in order to encourage young voters to participate in the electoral process. The government of India felt the need to bring about awareness to first time voters, sensing limited interest among the youth in enrolling for polls. The Election Commission supplemented the move by launching a nationwide programme to identify all eligible voters, who have reached the age of 18, and handed over electoral identity cards to them during the occasion every year. It’s a commendable initiative. In the meantime, it also goes on to show the indifferent attitude of the youth towards politics. It is something to worry about as young and educated people should be concerned about the future of the society. In fact, all eligible voters, irrespective of age, should take part in the electoral process by casting their votes in support of the candidates or political party they believe could bring about most positive change in society. Criticising and spewing venom at every policy of the government from the comfort of one’s room without exercising universal suffrage won’t do any good. The corrupt should be shown the door and the capable should be given a chance to rule. This is possible only through voting in a democracy. So, voting is not just a right but a responsibility as well.

India has been witnessing an increase in voter turnout over the years, recording a 67.40% in the 2019 general elections, compared to 66.44% in 2014 and 58.21% in 2009, but efforts should be made to increase the numbers as a significant population of the country is still not participating. Interestingly, Nagaland has been consistently showing high percentage of voter turnout, recording 85.62% in the last legislative assembly election and 83% in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, much above the national average. The rest of the country should emulate the state in electoral participation. However, these numbers could be inflated as proxy voting is rampant in the state despite years of “clean election” campaigns and awareness programmes. This practice has to be stopped immediately. Another practice that needs to done away with in the state is trading of votes or buying-selling of votes, which nullifies the very purpose of election. Coincidentally, the Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Centre and the Election Commission, seeking replies over a PIL filed with the court to put a total ban on populist measures like “irrational freebies” before elections and take deterrent measures on defaulters including deregistration or seizure of party symbol. It’s a laudable move from the apex court. Measures should be taken to end proxy voting and trading of votes as well, only then will we know the genuine mandate of the people. Young voters’ participation in the electoral process won’t make much difference until such practices are put to an end.