A positive element in the ongoing assembly elections in five states has been the comparatively healthy turnout of voters. The reported percentages usually have been recorded in the past mostly when there have been ‘waves’ generated by major emotive issues. Now, it seems that voters are motivated by a sense of responsibility and the desire to be involved in deciding the ultimate mandate. This indicates an increased appreciation of the political process and trust in the system. They are making the connect between the government and the impact it has on their lives.
Even though, as usual, urban voters have turned out less than the rural ones, there has been a notable uptick as compared to before. This also is a good thing. There is no doubt that the politicisation of social media has a lot to do with it, increasing their involvement and communicating an understanding of how politics impacts their lives. Hopefully this trend will continue despite the dangers posed by the proliferation of fake news and, now, deepfakes.
Too often in the past, low turnouts because of voter apathy have led to incomplete mandates. This has been the cause, subsequently, for political instability when voters wake up to their mistake. Hopefully, when the results are announced in the five states where contests are being held, it will be an accurate reflection of people’s opinions. They will get what they voted for, rather than what others have chosen. Also, the more accurate the mandates, the more interesting they will be. Ideally, no party in power should believe that it can do what it likes in the next five years. The opposition should be close enough to give sleepless nights to the incumbents.
Also in focus is the fate of smaller parties that run the risk of being steamrollered by the large ones. Should they not have representation in the legislatures to fill in the gaps when there is contentious legislation requiring to be approved or rejected? It may be noted that, in many parliamentary democracies around the world, it is rare for a party to get an absolute mandate. Often, two or three parties form ruling coalitions, thereby ensuring that the interests of smaller political constituencies are protected. In the same way, parties like the BSP, AAP, SP, TMC, AIMIM, etc., should have an impact outside of their traditional strongholds. Similarly, when it comes to states, these should not just be divided between the BJP and Congress. It must not be forgotten that the neutrality of parties like the BJD and BRS has, over the years, played a significant role in keeping matters on even keel in Parliament.
