Context: 2024 elections saw a high tide of democracy with elections in many countries including India, yet PEW’s recent global surveys highlighted that across 31 nations surveyed in 2024, about 54% of adults were not satisfied with the way democracy worked in their country. They felt disconnected from political leaders and institutions, and found that political parties did not represent their interests and that the common man had no influence on politics. This has led to the decline of voter participation.
In this context, let us discuss the challenges faced by democracy including the decline of voter participation and ways to arrest it.
Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Challenges faced by Democracy; Reasons for Decline in Voter Participation.
Challenges faced by Democracy
- Declining Democratic Quality: The Global State of Democracy Report 2024 has highlighted deteriorations in credible elections, effective parliaments, economic equality, and freedoms of expression and press. This decline has raised concerns about institutions and processes supporting democratic governance.
- Erosion of Public Discourse: The electoral campaigns were characterized by a significant decline in decency within public discourse. Rhetoric and divisive language have become commonplace, undermining the integrity of political dialogue.
- Misinformation and Polarisation: The rise of misinformation during elections has posed serious threats to electoral integrity. WEF reports indicate that misinformation significantly impacts voter perceptions and outcomes and exacerbates societal divisions.
- Voter Discontent: WEF surveys indicated that approximately 54% of adults across 31 nations expressed dissatisfaction with their democratic systems. Many felt disconnected from political leaders and institutions, which suggests a broader frustration with representative democracy.
- Erosion of Trust: There is a growing disillusionment with democratic institutions, particularly among younger populations. Many feel that elections do not yield meaningful change, leading to frustration and apathy towards the democratic process.
- Resurgence of Authoritarianism: Many democracies are witnessing a rise in authoritarian tendencies, where leaders exploit crises to consolidate power. This trend can undermine democratic norms and institutions.
- Weakening of Democratic values: There is a decline in fundamental democratic principles such as freedom of expression, rule of law, and civic rights.
- External Interference: Democracies have become vulnerable to foreign interference, which can disrupt electoral processes and manipulate public opinion, the external pressure complicates efforts to maintain electoral integrity and public trust.
- Economic Instability: Economic challenges, worsened by global crises such as climate change and geopolitical tensions, can lead to dissatisfaction with democratic governance. In such situations, citizens turn to populist or extremist parties that promise quick fixes rather than sustainable solutions.
Reasons for Decline in Voter Participation
- Voter Fatigue: Continuous elections and relentless campaigning can lead to voter fatigue. When citizens feel overwhelmed by the frequency of elections, their enthusiasm to participate diminishes.
- Urban Apathy: In urban areas, a sense of disconnection from political processes often leads to lower turnout. Many urban voters feel that their concerns are not addressed by political leaders, resulting in apathy towards voting.
- Disillusionment with Candidates: Voter discontent with the quality of candidates and their platforms can lead to disengagement. When voters perceive candidates as untrustworthy or out of touch with their needs, they may choose not to vote.
- Socio-economic Factors: Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often face barriers to voting, including lack of time due to work commitments or financial constraints that make it difficult to take time off to vote.
- Political Polarisation and Negative Campaigning: The rise of aggressive and negative campaigning can alienate voters. When political discourse becomes hostile or divisive, it may discourage individuals from participating in elections altogether.
- Undelivered Promises: The development dream remains unrealized in many democracies largely on account of misgovernance, corruption and misplaced priorities. Even now, the political parties’ pitch for votes is based on doles and not on the hard decisions needed for long-term and sustained growth.
Way Forward
- One Nation One Election: Synchronising elections as per Kovind Panel recommendations.
- Contesting from a Single Constituency: Amend the law to prevent a candidate from contesting elections from more than one constituency.
- Ban on Criminals: Lifetime ban on individuals convicted of serious crimes from contesting elections to promote the decriminalization of politics.
- Restriction on government Advertisements and Schemes: Prohibit government advertisements highlighting achievements for six months before the end of the House’s term during general elections, there should also be restriction on announcement of cash incentive-based schemes immediately before the elections.
- Safeguards for Election Commissioners: Extend the same level of protection against removal offered to Chief Election Commissioner to other Election Commissioners.
- Anti-Defection: Decisions on anti-defection cases be taken by the President or Governor based on the ECI’s advice.
- False Declarations: Make false election declarations a punishable offense.