Our independence has come at a huge cost, so many have fought hard, even laid down their lives so that we have the right to decide our leaders and future. Our vote is a testimony to their efforts. Elections and votes are a way to exercise our right to speak for ourselves on the course of the nation. It is our elections that have identified us as the largest democracy in the world.
The highest recorded voter turnout in India was recorded in 2014 for the Lok Sabha elections at 66.4%. That means close to half the population does not exercise their right to vote. Most of us believe in having the right to vote and its importance, but are unsure as to whether it really will make a difference. Many in general believe that their vote is not going to make any difference to the outcome of the election.
The percentage of this people is surprisingly big who if had voted, could have produced a different outcome. Therefore it is important to ensure that we not only vote but also ensure all the people in our homes and neighborhood vote too. Please ensure the names of the eligible voters are included in the voters list beforehand.
We should choose parties that drive the country forward, while still upholding the Indian tradition.
Indian elections have become increasingly complex with every election being a record in terms of the logistics involved and electorate size. The quality of our lives, what we can expect and what we cannot, will ultimately depend on the political party or parties that shall govern us. Thus the values and capability of the political parties and its leadership that we select, is important.
Therefore you need to vote to elect whom you think will work hard if you want better healthcare, education, basic income for all, better roads and transport, better amenities and services. Your will send a message about your expectations.
Nearly 900 million people have so far registered for the ongoing 17th Lok Sabha elections, of which 15 million are first-time voters in the age group of 18-19. Young voters generally ignore the importance of voting while it is their voice that has to be more heard.
It is they whom shall decide their future. Youth must be sensitized to politics through the issues that relate to them. Also key issues in every election increasingly relate to the concerns of students and professionals between the ages of 18 and 29, making it essential for members within that age group to educate themselves on political issues and take to the polls.
As the first time and youth electorate increases in size, it would be merely a matter of time before they become the largest and most powerful group driving future elections. While young people make up a considerable portion of the voting-eligible population, they’re much less likely than those who are older to get out and vote. Many young people also feel their vote doesn’t count which is attributed as a major reason for their not participating in elections. Youth voters who want to inspire change need to show their support for the candidates whom they feel best represent their needs. No one else is going to vote in the interest of young people than themselves.
In case none of the candidates is suitable for a voter, he or she may choose the NOTA option, which means ‘none of the above’. Voting NOTA expresses that none of the candidates are good enough. Sometimes NOTA vote count could be higher than many party candidates too. However what we should understand is that NOTA vote achieves nothing. Even if NOTA poll the highest number of votes there would not be any reelection. The next highest voted candidate would be declared a winner. So it would be wise if the voter could choose the best of the candidates rather than NOTA which helps none.
There is no denying that our elections have been associated with notoriety. Booth capturing and impersonated voting had once been rampant. But with introduction of better technology and monitoring, we have today come a long way with transparency everywhere. Nonetheless experts recommend voting before 11 or at least as early as possible to avoid risks of losing your vote.
The current Lok Sabha elections are scheduled in seven phases starting from April 11 to May 19. The counting of votes and announcement of results will be on May 23. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji has urged voters to turn out in historic numbers, particularly calling upon the first time voters. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) tenure under the leadership of Narendra Modiji is completing its five year tenure soon. These five years have been the best for our country in terms of what it has achieved and from where we took off.
Political parties release their manifestos to show their priorities and tell people what they would do. People should be alert and wisely decide on the candidate by relying on the track record of the party in terms of performance and anti-corruption; the importance and feasibility of their manifesto agenda. Sometimes these could be just a desperate attempt to lure electorate by their give-away schemes. Waiver and gifts in any camouflaged manner is also common.
For instance the Congress Party’s fresh scheme ‘NYAY’ or the minimum income scheme promises 72,000 per year or 6000 rupees every month to 5 percent of the nation’s poor families. Although the scheme says minimum income, there is no clarity on whether the Congress proposes it to be a flat payment unlinked to employment or linked to employment. Also how this would cover part time, irregular employment is anyone’s guess. Minimum income is normally calculated on per hour basis and shall be an amount below which no one shall be paid, for any work.
The UPA led by Congress was routed out of power in 2014 after a decade due to chronic corruption and scams. UPA had robbed the country of several lakh crores under a corrupt finance minister who is now out on bail. There was no notable performance nor notable achievements by any ministry. In contrast to this, the BJP has positioned the country in an enviable position in the last five years. The BJP government has rolled out several schemes covering almost all sections of people and sectors.
Your vote is your right, use it wisely.
