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STOP THE DITHERING AND ENCOURAGE GREEN ELECTIONS IN INDIA
Reference: GS 2 – Salient features of the Representation of People’s Act.
Why in the News?
- In August 2023, ahead of Assembly elections in five States, the ECI emphasized the critical need to address environmental risks.
- It highlighted the urgency of shifting to sustainable practices amidst the climate crisis.
- The ECI has been advocating for the avoidance of non-biodegradable materials in elections since 1999.
- Specifically, it has urged parties and candidates to refrain from using plastic/polythene in election material preparation.
Acknowledging Carbon Footprint
- Recognizing the unavoidable carbon footprint associated with every election.
- Highlighting the need for eco-friendly alternatives to mitigate environmental impact.
- International Examples:
- Sri Lanka and Estonia have demonstrated successful environmentally-conscious election practices.
- Their approaches serve as models for integrating environmental stewardship into electoral processes.
- India’s Responsibility:
- As the world’s most populous democracy, India bears a significant responsibility to prioritize environmental considerations in its electoral practices.
- Emphasizing the potential for “green elections” to enhance both environmental stewardship and civic participation.
The Urgency for a Paradigm Shift
- Overlooked Environmental Impact:
- The environmental footprint of elections is often disregarded despite its significant consequences.
- Examples like the 2016 US presidential elections illustrate the immense carbon emissions generated, particularly through campaign activities such as flights.
Traditional Methods
- Traditional election methods heavily rely on paper-based materials, energy-intensive rallies, loudspeakers, PVC flex banners, hoardings and disposable items.
- These practices contribute to a substantial environmental footprint and can adversely affect citizens’ health.
Magnitude of India’s Elections
- India’s elections, with their massive scale and extensive use of resources like mass political rallies, exacerbate environmental impact.
- The sheer number of voters and logistical operations amplify the environmental consequences.
Concept of Green Elections:
- Green elections involve adopting eco-friendly practices across all stages of the electoral process, from campaign materials to polling booths. This concept emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to mitigate environmental impact.
- Initiating the process could involve enacting relevant legislation, with the Election Commission of India integrating these approaches into the Model Code of Conduct.
- Research Findings:
- Studies, such as those by Willemson and Krips from Estonia in 2023, identify transportation and polling booth operations as significant sources of carbon emissions during elections.
- Transitioning to digital voting systems presents a viable solution, potentially reducing the carbon footprint by up to 40%.
Challenges in Implementing Environmentally-Friendly Elections
- Technological Hurdles:
- Electronic and digital voting necessitate robust infrastructure, especially in rural areas where connectivity may be limited.
- Ensuring security against hacking and fraud requires thorough checks and safeguards.
- Access and Training:
- Guaranteeing fair access to new technologies for all voters poses a challenge, particularly in remote areas.
- Training officials to manage and maintain the technology effectively is essential but requires time and resources.
- Financial Constraints:
- The upfront costs associated with adopting eco-friendly materials and technology can be substantial, potentially deterring financially constrained governments.
- Cultural and Behavioral Challenges:
- Cultural inertia may impede the acceptance of new voting methods, particularly if there’s a strong cultural value placed on physical presence at polling booths.
- Public skepticism towards new approaches and concerns about compromising vote security add to the challenges.
- Transparency and Auditing:
- Ensuring transparency and effective auditing of new adaptations is crucial to address public concerns and maintain trust in the electoral process.
EXAMPLES OF ECO-FRIENDLY ELECTORAL INITIATIVES
Kerala, India
- During the 2019 general election, the Kerala State Election Commission urged political parties to avoid single-use plastic materials in campaigning.
- The Kerala High Court subsequently imposed a ban on flex and non-biodegradable materials, promoting alternatives like wall graffiti and paper posters.
- Government bodies collaborated with district administrations to ensure a green election, including training sessions for election workers.
Goa, India:
- In 2022, the Goa State Biodiversity Board implemented eco-friendly election booths during Assembly elections.
- Biodegradable materials crafted by local traditional artisans were used, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.
Sri Lanka:
- In 2019, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party launched the world’s first carbon-sensitive, environmentally friendly election campaign.
- They measured carbon emissions from campaign activities and compensated for them by planting trees in each district, engaging public participation and raising awareness about the importance of forest cover.
Estonia:
- Estonia pioneered digital voting as an online alternative, laying the foundations for eco-friendly elections.
- Digital voting not only reduced environmental impact but also encouraged voter participation.
- The success of Estonia’s approach underscores the potential of digital voting accompanied by robust security measures to be both eco-friendly and electorate-friendly.
BLUEPRINT FOR ECO-FRIENDLY ELECTORAL PRACTICES
- Involving All Stakeholders
- Engage political parties, Election Commissions, governments, voters, media, and civil society in the green transition.
- Integrate top-level directives with grassroots initiatives to ensure widespread participation and effectiveness.
- Political Parties’ Leadership
- Enact legislation mandating eco-friendly electoral practices, with the Election Commission of India (ECI) incorporating them into the Model Code of Conduct.
- Shift campaigning to digital platforms or door-to-door methods to reduce energy-intensive public rallies.
- Encourage the use of public transportation for election-related activities.
- Sustainable Materials for Polling Booths
- Incentivize the use of sustainable local alternatives for polling booths, such as natural fabrics, recycled paper, and compostable plastics.
- Support waste management efforts and local artisans by replacing plastic and paper-based materials with eco-friendly options.
- Promotion of Digital Voting
- Advocate for digital voting, recognizing the need for training and capacity building of officials.
- Ensure equal participation by educating and supporting voters and providing equitable access to digital technology.
- Enhance public trust in the electoral process and government by facilitating transparent and accessible digital voting systems.
- Role of Civil Society and Media
- Empower civil society to act as a catalyst for promoting eco-conscious electoral practices.
- Utilize media platforms to highlight the environmental impact of conventional election methods and showcase innovative eco-friendly alternatives.
- Setting an International Example
- Embrace eco-conscious electoral practices to set an example for other democracies worldwide.
- Demonstrate leadership in addressing environmental challenges while upholding democratic principles and civic engagement.
Mains question
Discuss the imperative for eco-friendly electoral practices and strategies for implementation thus promoting India’s potential to lead global sustainability efforts. (250 marks)
