India’s democracy is vibrant and participatory. Millions vote in elections seen as a festival of democracy. However, the rising frequency of elections poses challenges. The question arises – do frequent elections strengthen democracy or hinder India’s progress?
Financial Burden of Frequent Elections
India’s elections are among the costliest globally. The recent Lok Sabha elections alone cost the Election Commission nearly ₹1.35 trillion. Including political party expenses, campaigns, and advertisements, the total reaches an estimated ₹5-7 trillion over five years. For a developing nation, this is a major financial strain. Redirecting even part of these funds could boost sectors like education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, and agriculture.
Disruption to Development and Governance
The Model Code of Conduct freezes many government activities during elections. Projects in roads, power, and water supply face delays. Politicians announce new schemes before polls but often fail to sustain them after elections. Frequent polls thus slow down infrastructure growth and governance continuity.
Logistical Challenges and Service Disruptions
Conducting elections in India requires over ten lakh polling stations and more than one crore officials. Teachers, healthcare workers, and government staff are diverted from their regular duties. Schools lose teaching days, health services suffer, and government offices face operational challenges. Nearly 200 working days are lost over a five-year election cycle due to these demands.
Environmental Impact of Election Campaigns
Elections generate vast amounts of non-biodegradable waste from posters, banners, and pamphlets. Large rallies use vehicles, helicopters, and planes, increasing carbon emissions. This pollution adds to climate change pressures. The ecological cost of elections is a hidden but concern.
Social Polarisation and Democratic Strain
Frequent elections often deepen social divides. Instead of focusing on policies, contests turn into battles based on caste, religion, and language. Repeated elections intensify polarisation, threatening national unity. Democracy’s ideal as a unifying force is weakened by such fragmentation.
Youth Engagement and Democratic Awareness
Youth participation through debates, seminars, street plays, and youth parliaments raises awareness about election challenges. These platforms encourage young citizens to view democracy as a shared responsibility. Such engagement is vital for advocating reforms and sustaining democratic values.
One Nation, One Election – A Reform Proposal
Synchronising Lok Sabha and state assembly elections could reduce costs and disruptions. This reform would minimise the frequency of the Model Code of Conduct’s enforcement and ensure governance continuity. Though requiring constitutional changes, it promises efficiency, savings, and stronger democracy.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically discuss the economic implications of frequent elections on India’s development and governance.
- Examine the environmental impact of election campaigns in India and suggest sustainable alternatives.
- Analyse the role of social polarisation in electoral politics and its effect on national unity and democratic stability.
- Estimate the benefits and challenges of implementing the One Nation, One Election system in India. How could this reform affect federalism and electoral dynamics?
