Let the contest begin

As India readies for another general election, it will do so with a staggering 9.7 crore new voters on the electoral rolls. It is difficult to fully explain the sharp increase in voters (13.5 per cent more than in 2009) and the significant variations between states (as much as 29.3 per cent in Tamil Nadu against a mere 9 per cent in Delhi). But the Election Commission is not wrong in believing that this rise is at least partly attributable to the voter awareness campaigns and the moves to refurbish the electoral rolls. Of the new voters, as many as 2.3 crore are between 18 and 19 years old. The marked increase in voters is matched by a huge spike in voter turnout – a reflection of the growing participatory interest in the electoral process. Voter participation was consistently high in the recent Assembly elections in Madhya Pradesh (72.66 per cent), Chhattisgarh (77 per cent), Mizoram (83.41 per cent), Rajasthan (75.65 per cent) and Delhi (66.10 per cent); the Election Commission was not exaggerating when it described the turnouts as “historic”.

In 2014, this enthusiasm to participate is coupled with a welcome rejection of that old and tired cynicism about politics. There seems to be a growing recognition of the power of the electoral process to usher in change. The emergence of the Aam Aadmi Party, whatever its shortcomings when it ruled Delhi briefly, is an illustration of the willingness to engage with new and radical ideas and an increasing frustration with those who represent the status quo. The Congress’ humiliating defeat in Delhi was an illustration of this very sentiment. If states such as Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh voted decisively in favour of the ruling governments, it was because of the absence of a credible opposition. India will see better governance if politicians and parties are exposed by a rapidly maturing electorate.

The country will also benefit if voter attention is more sharply focussed on the candidates in the fray — such basic things as their record on governance and their reputation for honesty. At the same time, the electoral system is crying out for reform, starting with the necessity of keeping big money out of electioneering, which has reduced official curbs on poll expenditure to a farce. Despite the enormous sums of money spent, most MPs have recorded spending much less as poll expenses than the limits prescribed by the Election Commission. The good thing is that the voter is no longer immune to these issues and is increasingly demanding better governance from the people it elects. Over nine phases between April 7 and May 12, more than 80 crore electors in the world’s largest democracy will pick a government in the hope that it will fulfil the aspirations of this restless but still hopeful nation. It is time the political class responds in kind.

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