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WEATHER PROOFING POLLS:ELECTIONS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED IN CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO MAXIMUM PARTICIPATION

Syllabus:

GS-II:

Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.

Why in the news?

Election weather challenges prompt calls for weather-friendly schedules to maximise participation and democracy’s health in India.

source:Indiatoday

Focus:

• General elections in India are pivotal moments for democracy, showcasing the collective voice of the people.
• With a record number of eligible voters, these elections hold immense importance in shaping the nation’s future.
• Current elections in India are significant due to the nation’s status as the largest democracy.
• Despite challenges, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has made efforts to ensure maximum participation.
• The weather, particularlyheat, poses a significant challenge to voter turnout, especially in rural areas.

Weather-Proofing Indian Elections: Ensuring Maximum Participation

Challenges Faced:

• Geographic Diversity
• India’s vast and diverse geography poses logistical hurdles, especially in remote and inaccessible regions.
• Ensuring the smooth conduct of elections across such a vast landscape requires meticulous planning and coordination.
• Weather Factor

• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD)issued heatwave alerts during April, prompting swift action by the ECI to set up a task force and ensure necessary measures are taken.
• The timing of elections often coincides with peak summer months, exposing voters and campaigners to harsh weather conditions.
• High temperatures and humidity levels during this period can deter voter turnout and pose health risks to those involved in the electoral process.
• Election Schedule
• Elections must be concluded before the term of the17th Lok Sabha expires, leading to a fixed schedule typically spanning from April to June.
• This timeframe presents challenges as it overlaps with the peak of summer in many parts of the country.
• The ECI,while considering weather factors, is bound by the deadline of June 16 for the election results.

Efforts to Mitigate Weather Challenges:

• Task Force Establishment
• The Election Commission of India (ECI) collaborated with various agencies to monitor weather conditions and implement necessary measures.
• A task force comprising officials from ECI, IMD, NDMA, and MoHFW was set up to review the impact of heat waves and humidity on polling days.
• Health Precautions
• The scheduling of elections coincides with the peak of the Indian summer, leading to discomfort and potential health risks for voters.
• Health authorities were instructed to prepare for potential health issues caused by heat, ensuring adequate facilities at polling stations.
• Measures such as providing shelter, drinking water, and fans aimed to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather on voters and election officials.

Impact on Voter Turnout:

• Voter Apathy
• Harsh weather conditions, coupled with the need to travel long distances, can discourage voters, particularly in rural areas.
• Overcoming voter apathy becomes a significant challenge during the scorching summer months.
• Health Risks:
• Political campaigning outdoors exposes candidates and party workers to health risks, including heat-related illnesses.
• Ensuring the safety and well-being of campaigners becomes paramount amidst extreme weather conditions.

Climate Change Concerns:

• Regular Occurrence:
  • Extreme weather during elections is not uncommon in India, with temperatures often soaring above 40 degrees Celsius in many regions.
  • The frequency and intensity of such weather events highlight the persistent challenge faced during electoral processes.
• Climate Change Impact:
  • Climate change exacerbates weather extremes, posing even greater challenges for future elections held during the summer months.
  • Adapting to these changing climatic conditions becomes imperative for ensuring the integrity and inclusivity of electoral processes.

Proposed Solutions/Way Forward:

• Proposing a revised election timetable to avoid peak summer months, thus ensuring more favourable weather conditions for voting and campaigning.
• Adjusting the schedule to accommodate weather considerations can enhance voter participation and overall electoral efficacy.
• Encouraging all stakeholders to address weather-related concerns collectively, prioritising the integrity and inclusivity of electoral processes.
• By working together, stakeholders can devise effective strategies to mitigate the impact of extreme weather on elections.
• Scheduling Elections:Discussing alternative timelines for elections to mitigate the impact of extreme weather.
• Long-Term Planning: Addressing climate change concerns and incorporating weather considerations into future election planning.
• Stakeholder Collaboration:Encouraging cooperation between government agencies, political parties, and civil society to implement weather-friendly election measures.
• Public Awareness: Raising awareness among voters about the importance of their participation despite weather challenges.

Conclusion

Prioritising weather considerations in electoral planning is essential for upholding democratic values and ensuring maximum participation.By weather-proofing Indian elections, we can strengthen the democratic fabric of the nation and foster greater civic engagement.

Source: Indian Express

Mains Practice Question :

“Discuss the significance of conducting elections in conditions conducive to maximum participation, as highlighted by the recent editorial by Ram Nath Kovind, former President of India. Elaborate on the challenges posed by weather conditions during elections and the measures proposed to mitigate these challenges. Assess the implications of extreme weather on voter turnout and the democratic process, and propose strategies to address this issue for the betterment of democracy in India.”