2009032195 | Editorial: Election Dharma in a Democracy | Editorial

By The Editorial Team, on 22-03-2009 10:24

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Five stage elections for 15th Lok Sabha announced by EC have initiated yet another electoral process in the country. So far the things have turned out the coming Lok Sabha elections promise a keen contest in the making. While different political parties intensify their efforts to corner maximum share of seats, preparations had started much earlier with the major players streamlining and positioning their electoral strategy and machinery. Most of the political parties are now engaged in finalizing their campaign strategy, alliances and in mobilizing their support base.

A vibrant democracy depends on the voter activism and the kind of issues that gets focused in the course of electioneering. India being the largest democracy in the world needs to consistently take corrective measures to make the democracy more meaningful with mechanisms that can deliver the public good. It all depends on the sincerity with which a voter values the vote of which he is the owner. Unfortunately due to lack of voter-activism we still find that elections remain mostly a personality oriented exercise paying little heed to the issues at hand. Political parties and leaders reflect a tendency to take the voters for a ride by resorting to money and muscle power in the time of election where issues are raised as rituals and not as matter of commitments. Media too regales in highlighting the issues keeping in mind their TRPs which they seek through sensationalism and glamour leaving behind the real issues.

The voters need to understand that they have to be accountable in the elections to their own conscience by exercising their franchise in the most effective manner. Every voter has to abide by the dharma of election and act as a watchdog of democracy by not allowing this great exercise in the show of criminals, anti social elements and buffoons. Elections are very serious events which sets the course of a nation for the times to come hence ‘election dharma” has to be upheld and protected. Every voter should participate in the election and this participation should not only be limited to casting votes but in raising issues through various means, by defeating and disapproving unethical and immoral practices and by empowering every single voters with the knowledge and political education that is necessary for every citizen of a vibrant democracy. This is what the election dharma in a democracy demands of a voters!