Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Indians strongly believe in democracy' that was published in Newsband

Indians strongly believe in democracy

There was record turnout in the 2014 Lok Sabha election. Haryana Assembly election reported its highest-ever polling percentage and Maharashtra improved on its 2009 turnout figures. The increased voter participation could be on account of a desire for change at the national and State levels, or civil society movements on corruption and other social issues. The recent elections have drawn more enthusiastic electors to the polling booths. The awareness campaign of the Election Commission together with vigorous campaigning by candidates and political parties aided by greater access to polling booths, easier process of voting and shorter queues have all added up to a high voter turnout.

It is time election commission as well as political parties start thinking on the German model of proportionate representation based on the votes polled by a party. This will definitely drive out the corrupt and unscrupulous elements from the arena. NOTA and the number of absentee voters should also be taken into account, and this factor needs serious attention.

High turn out of voters during 16th Lok Sabha election and now in assembly elections is the testimony of the deepening of our democracy. People show their faith by turning out in large numbers and now its time for our leaders to fulfill the aspirations of people and not break that faith.

This is highly welcome signs for democracy. Larger participation in the election means the people are still having hopes in democratic institutions. When the average voter turnout in UK, US are declining, ours is increasing.

Higher turnout in voting is due to various reasons. (1) Publicity through visual media and print media, (2) Personal campaigning by political parties, (3) Cash, free transport, other sops, such as liquor, etc. offered by politicians, and (4) Vigorous publicity by Election Commission. The public is also attracted by the hollow promises made by various political parties. On the whole, the political awareness has increased by leaps and bounds and more people are exercising their franchise.

Young voters have enthusiastically voted in the recent elections. The trend clearly indicates that the youth of this country is watching the activities of the politicians and political parties very closely and expecting them to deliver good governance.

Both States, Maharashtra and Haryana, have voted heavily in favour of the Bharatiya Janata Party. This fact itself signifies the enormous power of ballot.