The Election Commission of India has shown proactive attention to 266 low-turnout parliamentary constituencies, indicating its determination to address the issue head-on. Voter turnout is a crucial aspect that reflects the quality of elections and the overall health of Indian democracy. With turnout reaching 66% and 67% in the last two general elections, achieving a higher benchmark for 2024 will require even greater effort. Each percentage increase demands a heightened level of commitment and intervention to ensure the continued improvement of electoral participation and democratic processes.
In the landscape of India's electoral map, there's a notable disproportion: 215 rural constituencies juxtaposed with only 51 in urban areas. This discrepancy is stark against the backdrop of over 6.5 lakh villages and 4,800 towns and cities. The disparity extends to voter turnout; among the 50 constituencies with the lowest participation in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, 17 were urban. Notably, several others were in mid-sized towns and district hubs, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Kolkata, along with Hyderabad, lagged significantly behind the national average, collectively averaging 58% turnout — a full 9% lower.
During the recent Gujarat assembly election in Surat, a significant disparity emerged, with a 25% gap observed in voter turnout between an urban segment and a rural seat. Meanwhile, Bengaluru South recorded a modest 47.5% turnout in the previous year's assembly election, contrasting with Karnataka's commendable average of 73.84%. This discrepancy underscores a broader trend of urban underperformance in electoral participation, revealing a pressing need for targeted engagement and outreach efforts to ensure equitable representation across all demographics. Addressing such disparities is crucial for upholding the democratic principles of inclusivity and equal voice for all citizens.
As the election loomed just a fortnight away, the chief election commissioner and two of their colleagues convened for extensive deliberations. Joining them were a cadre of top metro commissioners and handpicked district election officers from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Their primary goal: to avert a repeat of India's recent urban voting apathy. City officials received counsel to leverage their resources and creativity to bridge at least 10% of the gap in national turnout. They acknowledged the diverse urban populace, including the educated elite, professionals, slum dwellers, industrial laborers, and university students, each requiring tailored outreach and encouragement to vote.
In 2019, eleven states, primarily in the northern and western regions, fell below the national average voter turnout of 67.4%. Notably, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar recorded depressed turnouts of 59% and 57% respectively, highlighting a significant concern. Looking ahead to 2024, these states will once again play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.
To address this challenge, election managers are implementing a comprehensive Turnout Implementation Plan (TIP). This plan focuses on targeted interventions at the district, constituency, and polling station levels, with a strong emphasis on enhancing electoral literacy and outreach. Efforts include engaging celebrities and influencers to mobilize young voters and leveraging multimedia campaigns such as "Turning 18" and "You are the One" to motivate participation, especially through social media channels.
Furthermore, there's a concerted effort to enhance the voting experience, particularly in the scorching summer months. Initiatives include making polling infrastructure more accessible, offering home voting for elderly and disabled individuals, and improving amenities such as shorter wait times and enhanced parking facilities. Collaboration with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) to facilitate voting in high-rise buildings is also part of the strategy.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards fostering behavioral change through community engagement in major national initiatives. While rural areas often exhibit strong community cohesion, city administrations have also effectively rallied residents during times of crisis. Notably, efforts to promote Covid-appropriate behavior among urban populations stand out. Moreover, municipal bodies are now mobilizing families to embrace waste source segregation, aiming for garbage-free cities.
Ensuring a well-maintained electoral roll has minimized inflated numbers. While India grapples with the challenge of incorporating the voting rights of millions of internal migrants, addressing a significant portion of the 300 million voter deficit is imperative. Excuses rooted in apathy or reluctance hold no weight. It's crucial to recognize that abstaining from voting, which includes the option of "None of the Above" (NOTA), is not an act of responsible citizenship. With the potential for 970 million Indian voters to cast their ballots, the democratic process could profoundly assert itself.
