Introduction
As India, the world's largest democracy, navigates through the grand festival of its 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a concerning trend has emerged – a decline in voter turnout compared to previous electoral cycles. This pattern not only raises questions about the health of India's democratic process but also underscores the need for introspection and action to safeguard the essence of participatory governance. Despite concerted efforts by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various awareness campaigns to mobilize voters, particularly the youth, the initial phases of the elections have witnessed a noticeable decrease in voter participation, highlighting the urgency to address this paradoxical situation.
EVM Machine | India Today
The Trend of Declining Turnout
The initial stages of the 2024 Lok Sabha election indicate a noticeable decrease in voter turnout compared to previous years. This trend persisted in the third phase, with only four out of the 93 constituencies experiencing an uptick in voter numbers, while the remaining 89 witnessed a decline. The overall turnout stood at 61% as of 7 PM on May 7, marking a drop of nearly six percentage points from the same constituencies in 2019.
Among the 11 states and Union Territories where voting occurred, Maharashtra recorded the lowest turnout at 54.1%, followed by Gujarat (56.5%), Bihar (56.6%), and Uttar Pradesh (57.2%). Conversely, Assam recorded the highest turnout at 75%, trailed by Goa (74.2%) and West Bengal (73.9%). On a constituency level, Amreli in Gujarat witnessed the lowest turnout at 46.1%, whereas Dhubri in Assam saw the highest at 79.7%.
The ongoing seven-phase election covered 283 constituencies in the first three phases held on April 19, April 26, and May 7, with turnouts of 66.1%, 66.7%, and 61% respectively, showing a decrease of around three percent from the 2019 elections.
In the third phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, voter turnout notably decreased across several states compared to the 2019 and 2014 elections. For instance, in Assam, turnout decreased from 85.3% in 2019 to 74.6% this year, indicating a significant decline in voter engagement. Similarly, Bihar, which saw a slight increase in 2019, experienced a decrease to 56.6% in 2024. Even smaller regions like Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Goa reported lower turnouts compared to both previous elections.
Factors Contributing to Low Turnout
1. Urban Apathy: One of the primary contributing factors to the low voter turnout could be the disinterest among urban voters, evident in the persistently low voter turnout during the initial phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This trend worsened as the elections progressed. For instance, Ghaziabad in Uttar Pradesh witnessed a decline in turnout from 55.88% in 2019 to 49.88% in 2024. Similarly, Bangalore Central saw a slight decrease from 54.31% to 54.06%, while Bangalore South experienced a marginal drop from 53.69% to 53.17%.
The Election Commission expressed dismay over the lackluster response from metropolitan voters, a trend observed in the 2019 elections as well. Among the 50 constituencies with the lowest turnout in 2019, 17 were located in major cities. Furthermore, despite India's record-high voter turnout in 2019, around 30 crore eligible voters refrained from voting, including a significant number of migrant workers.
2. Migrant Workers: Challenges faced by migrant workers, such as the cost and logistical difficulties of traveling to their hometowns to vote, coupled with the loss of wages due to unpaid leave, deter them from exercising their voting rights. Introducing remote voting for migrants could potentially mitigate this issue and bolster voter turnout. The Election Commission, in its report, acknowledged the "inability to vote due to internal migration (domestic migrants)" as one of the prominent reasons for the low voter turnout.
3. Extreme Weather Conditions: Extreme heat poses another barrier to voter turnout, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in some regions during the election period. The India Meteorological Department predicts prolonged heat waves lasting 10 to 20 days during April to June, coinciding with the election period. Despite these challenges, the polling will persist until the first week of June, necessitating measures to accommodate voters amid the scorching conditions.
Impact on Political Parties
The canvas of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections reflects varying implications for different political parties due to the decreased voter turnout. In states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Karnataka, the lower turnout has sparked analysis and contemplation, shaping a narrative of intrigue and potential political shifts.
In Kerala, the second phase of the 2024 elections saw a turnout of 70.03%, slightly lower than the robust 77.84% seen in 2019. This subtle change suggests various factors at play, from voter fatigue to the range of available choices. Kerala, traditionally adorned by the UDF, now presents an arena where the BJP-led NDA seeks to make its mark. The decreased turnout here may signify missed opportunities or unforeseen developments, depending on efforts in mobilization and engagement.
Moving to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the landscape reveals intriguing fluctuations. While specific figures for 2024 are yet undisclosed, the prevailing trend of reduced participation hints at discontent or evolving political loyalties. In Tamil Nadu, where the BJP blends with regional dynamics, a lower turnout might reflect dissatisfaction with the national or local narrative. Karnataka, known for BJP dominance, finds itself in a pivotal moment where each voter's participation could sway the final outcome.
In Rajasthan, a state with a history of political swings, a decrease in turnout raises uncertainties for the BJP. Previous high turnouts, typically favoring the incumbent, now mingle with whispers of change, potentially shifting the narrative towards the opposition. Within this electoral narrative, the lower turnout presents a canvas of intrigue for the BJP-led NDA. The ability to mobilize voters becomes crucial, with each effort adding depth or complexity to the electoral landscape.
Importance of Voting in Indian Democracy
Voting is a crucial aspect of democracy in India, allowing citizens to participate in shaping their nation. Despite eligibility, enthusiasm for voting among many citizens remains low. However, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections marked a milestone with a record-high turnout of 67.11%, signaling a positive trend and underscoring the significance of every vote in charting a brighter future for the nation.
Major Reasons to Vote
1. It's Our Right: India's democratic foundation rests upon the outcomes of elections. Our legislative bodies are elected by and for the people. We are privileged to possess the constitutional entitlement to vote, a right often overlooked. However, the constitution ensures our freedom to vote for our preferred candidates and to alter our choices if necessary.
2. Agent of Change: Your vote holds the power to enact meaningful change. If you're discontent with the current government, your vote can usher in a better administration. Without voter turnout, the incumbent party could retain power for another five-year term. Ultimately, the responsibility falls on the electorate for either misguided or absent voting choices, potentially leading to suboptimal governance.
3. Your Vote Counts: Each vote holds significance. Despite the vast turnout at the polls, each ballot carries weight. When the collective mindset shifts from "my vote doesn't matter," participation increases, and the cumulative impact of numerous votes becomes pivotal. The obligation rests on every citizen. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, many candidates won by incredibly narrow margins, such as Bholanath of BJP in Machhlishahr constituency, who clinched victory over BSP's Tribhuvan Ram by just 181 votes. Similarly, in Lakshadweep, NCP's Mohammed Faizal faced tough competition from Congress's Hamdullah Sayeed, winning by only 823 votes.
4. NOTA (None of the Above) (Contd.): While NOTA votes are tallied, if the majority of votes fall under NOTA, the party with the subsequent largest majority will secure the victory. This option provides citizens with a means to voice their discontent with the available choices and demand better representation.
Efforts to Motivate Voters
Recognizing the significance of robust voter participation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been fervently urging citizens to exercise their voting rights, emphasizing the importance of each vote in shaping the nation's destiny. Despite facing obstacles such as sweltering weather, wedding engagements, or personal commitments, PM Modi has drawn parallels between the dedication of soldiers and the responsibility of voters, stressing the critical role of every individual's vote in serving the country.
Highlighting the significance of young voters, PM Modi issued a call to action, urging those newly added to the voters' list to participate actively in the democratic process. A nationwide campaign, "Mera Pehla Vote Desh Ke Liye" (My first vote is for the country), was launched, aiming to educate and motivate young voters across various educational institutions. The campaign garnered enthusiastic participation from people from all walks of life, with a shared goal of encouraging robust voter turnout in the general election.
Despite these concerted efforts to mobilize voters, concerns persist over the lower voter turnout witnessed in each phase of the election, prompting the need for further action and engagement.
The Way Forward
As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections unfold, the declining voter turnout raises concerns about the health of India's democratic process. It is imperative for citizens to recognize the power of their vote and the significance of their participation in shaping the nation's future. Addressing urban apathy, facilitating voting for migrant workers, and accommodating voters amidst extreme weather conditions are crucial steps to bolster voter engagement.
Strengthening voter education initiatives, particularly in urban areas, could play a vital role in increasing awareness and combating apathy. Collaborative efforts between the Election Commission, political parties, and civil society organizations could prove instrumental in reaching out to diverse segments of the population and emphasizing the importance of exercising one's democratic right. Furthermore, exploring innovative solutions, such as remote voting or mobile polling stations, could alleviate the challenges faced by migrant workers and those residing in remote areas, ensuring that their voices are heard in the electoral process.
Amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's easy to overlook the remarkable dedication and sacrifice of our leaders, especially someone like Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Here's a person in his 70s, devoting every waking hour to the service of the nation, sacrificing personal comfort and leisure for the greater good. With an unwavering commitment to India's progress, PM Modi tirelessly works 18-hour days, never taking a single day off. Yet, despite his tireless efforts, he faces constant threats, both domestic and international, simply for striving to uplift our nation.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the responsibility lies with each eligible citizen to exercise their right to vote, acknowledging that every vote counts in upholding the principles of a vibrant and thriving democracy. By embracing this civic duty, India can continue to set an example for the world, ensuring that the voices of its people resonate through the ballot box and shape the trajectory of the nation's progress. As the fourth phase of voting concludes today, it's essential to recognize that there are still three crucial phases of voting left, scheduled for May 20, May 25, and June 1, respectively. Instead of succumbing to excuses like heat waves or warm weather, it's time to set aside the "who cares" mentality and prioritize our civic duty by participating in the upcoming phases of elections.
Comments