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

2. RUSSIA

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3.FRANCE

4.UNITED KINGDOM

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5.OTHER COUNTRIES

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.

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Socio- • Income levels and economic aspirations influence
economic voting patterns.
Status: • For instance, the India Human Development Surve
(IHDS) found that voters with higher income level
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.

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3.Regional and Local Factors:

Regional • In a country as diverse as India, regional identity

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 • The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR)
Issues: 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 • Media coverage of political campaigns, policies, and

Coverage: 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 • The Internet and Mobile Association of India
Media: (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.

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• 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?

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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Compulsory voting, enforced.
Compulsory voting, not enforced.
Compulsory voting, enforced (only men).
Compulsory voting, not enforced (only men).
Historical: the country had compulsory voting in the past.

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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

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Some previous years prelims questions.
Q1. 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
(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)
Some questions from this year and previous years interview
transcripts.
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)

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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?

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Board BB Vyas sir:
• Voters turnout in last LS election?
• And what is ECI doing to increase it?

Some questions for QUIZ.

Q1. 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?

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 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.
Q2. ?
(a) YES
(b) NO
(c) Can’t say.

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