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.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/stop-the-dithering-and-encourage-green-elections-in-india/article67892855.ece

 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)