Decoding Indian Elections - A Debate on Voter Turnout

Context:

  • The second phase of voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections on April 26 witnessed a dip in voter turnout at 66.7%, around 3% less than in the 2019 elections.

What is the voter turnout?

  • In political science, voter turnout is the participation rate (often defined as those who cast a ballot) of a given election.
  • This is typically either the percentage of registered voters, eligible voters, or all voting-age people

What is the status of voter turnout in the ongoing elections in India?

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What is the history of voter turnout in India?

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Is there any gender parity in voter turnout in India?

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What is the status of voter turnout in other countries?

1. USA

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2. RUSSIA

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3. FRANCE

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4. UNITED KINGDOM

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5. OTHER COUNTRIES

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What is voting behavior?

  • Voting behavior is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors that shape the decision-making process of voters.
  • Voter attitudes include characteristics such as ideological predisposition, party identity, degree of satisfaction with the existing government, public policy leanings, and feelings about a candidate's personality traits.
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What are the factors impacting the Voting Behaviour?

1. Socio-economic Factors:
Caste:
  • India's caste system has a deep-rooted impact on voting patterns.
  • Voters often align with political parties that cater to their caste interests, leading to caste-based voting blocs and consolidation.
  • The National Election Study (NES) conducted after the 2014 Lok Sabha elections found that caste considerations influenced voting decisions for around 33% of voters in India.
Religion:
  • Religious affiliations, especially in a diverse country like India, often guide voter preferences.
  • Political parties with religious or community-based agendas can sway voting behavior.
  • The Pew Research Center's study on religion and public life found that religion played a role in voting decisions for 64% of Indian adults.
Socio- economic Status:
  • Income levels and economic aspirations influence voting patterns.
  • For instance, the India Human Development Surve (IHDS) found that voters with higher income leve were more likely to support parties that emphasize economic development and social welfare.
2. Political Factors:
Party Perception:
  • The impact of party perception on voting behavior is evident.
  • The Election Commission of India's post-election surveys revealed that voters consider the credibility, reputation, and performance of political parties as key factors in their decision- making process.
Leadership:
  • Voters often evaluate the credibility, charisma, and competence of leaders.
  • The Lokniti-CSDS National Election Study 2019 indicated that the leadership factor played a crucial role for nearly 19% of voters in India.
Party Ideology:
  • Political ideologies, such as socialism, nationalism, secularism, or regionalism, resonate differently with different sections of society and influence their voting preferences.
  • The Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) surveys reveal that ideological considerations influence the voting decisions of a significant proportion of Indian voters.
3. Regional and Local Factors:
Regional Identity:
  • In a country as diverse as India, regional identity holds immense importance.
  • Voters often align with parties that prioritize regional interests and aspirations.
  • Data from the Election Commission of India shows that regional parties have a significant presence and attract support in various states.
Local Issues:
  • The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) surveys reveal that voters prioritise local issues such as infrastructure development, employment opportunities, healthcare, education, and law and order while evaluating candidates and parties.
4. Media Influence
Media Coverage:
  • Media coverage of political campaigns, policies, and candidates can shape voter perceptions and decisions.
  • For instance, India has over 425 million newspaper readers, showcasing the significant reach of print media.
  • Besides, a study by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism found that media outlets play a crucial role in agenda-setting and influencing public opinion during elections.
Social Media:
  • The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and Nielsen's study found that social media platforms play a crucial role in shaping political opinions and preferences, particularly among the youth and urban population.
  • Lokniti-CSDS National Election Study (2019) highlighted that nearly 39% of voters in India reported using social media for political information.
  • A study by the Centre for Media Studies (CMS) found that political parties spent over ₹27,000 crore ($3.6 billion) on social media campaigns during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
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What are the reasons for low Voter Turnout?

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What is compulsory voting?

  • Compulsory voting, also called universal civic duty voting or mandatory voting, is the requirement that registered voters participate in an election.
  • As of January 2023, 21 countries have compulsory voting laws.
  • Enforcement of the law in these countries varies considerably and the penalty for not casting a ballot without a proper justification ranges from severe to non-existent.
  • Belgium has the oldest extant compulsory voting system which was introduced in 1893 for men and in 1948 for women.
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What is the relevance of the topic for UPSC CSE?

For Prelims: Election Commission of India (ECI), Turnout Implementation Plan (TIP), Voter Helpline App, Electoral Rolls, Remote Voting, One Nation One Election .

For Mains: Turnout Implementation Plan (TIP), Voter Turnout in India: Advantages, Challenges and Way Forward

Some previous years prelims questions.

Consider the following statements: (2020)
1. According to the Constitution of India a person who is eligible to vote can be made a minister in a State for six months even if he/she is not a member of the Legislature of that State.
2. According to the Representation of People Act, 1951, a person convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to imprisonment for five years is permanently disqualified from contesting an election even after his release from prison.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c)Both 1 and 2 only
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: (d)
 

Some previous years mains questions.

Q1. ‘Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (2017)
Q2. To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make democracy successful? (2017)
 

Some questions from this year and previous years interview transcripts.

Board Dinesh Dasa sir(2024)

  • In how many phases elections are occurring?
  • In UP how many phases?
  • How many phases already happened?
  • Which part of UP has already faced elections?
  • Why low voter's turnout?
  • Should there be one nation and one election?
  • Should the election schedule have been two months long?
  • What would you have done if you were chief election commissioner?
  • What are the advantages of one nation one election?

Board BB Swain sir(2024)

  • Prospects of e-voting in India ?
  • Do you support it ?
  • What are its challenges ?
  • Should technology be used in the election process?

Board BB Swain sir(2024)

  • Your views on simultaneous elections
  • Should there be compulsory voting for the government employees and what's the justification for your opinion?

Board BB Swain sir(2024)

  • What is online voting?
  • How many people are going to vote in the present election?
  • How many people voted in the 1st election?

Board BB Vyas sir(2023)

  • Voters turnout in last LS election?
  • And what is ECI doing to increase it?

Some questions for QUIZ.

Consider the following statements regarding Symbol Loading Unit (SLU)
1. It is a matchbox-sized device connected to a laptop containing only the candidates’ names and symbols.
2. It actively loads candidate symbols and information onto VVPAT and ballot units, ensuring accurate representation during the voting process.
3. SLUs are involved in the election process approximately a few days before polling commences at a specific seat.
How many of the above statements are incorrect? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Ans: (a)
Q2. Consider the following
1. Chief Justice of India
2. Prime Minister
3. Leader of Opposition
4. Union Cabinet Minister
5. Speaker Lok Sabha
How many of the above are part of the Selection Committee responsible for appointment of CEC and ECs?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) Only two
(b) Only three
(c) Only four
(d) All five
Ans: (b)

Some questions for POLL.

Q1.Have you casted your vote ?
(a) YES
(b) NO
(c) Can’t say.
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