The last few months have been buzzing with pre-election activities and we have been swamped by data, discussions and debates in every imaginable format. We have been reading morning newspapers that capably convert yesterday’s disasters into sublimely humorous news pieces, or watching news channels that air high-pitched news anchors and their equally loud guests, or surfing websites that share videos of politicians making outrageous comments in their larger-than-life election campaigns.
Like it or not, as individuals and families we have soaked in the fervour of the elections and have taken sides or have been divided (albeit, not literally) over our opinions. The general election this time around is bigger than one can imagine. Projected to cost about US$5 billion, it is perhaps the costliest election ever in India, and the second most expensive campaign in world history.
The most expensive election campaign till date has been the 2012 US presidential election, which cost some US$7 billion, according to US Federal Election Commission. According to Centre for Media Studies, an Indian think-thank, the US$5 billion price tag for the Indian election will be almost triple the amount of money spent by Indian candidates in the 2009 general election. The huge election expenditure reflects the emergence of a certain sophisticated and western-style campaigning, fund raising and the domination of social media in politics.
Politicians are actively seeking to appeal to a younger, tech-savvy Indian electorate with more easily accessible campaign venues, more television commercials, digital marketing efforts, closed-circuit live broadcasts of rallies and increased social media and Internet content. These are welcome changes, especially for the 150 million first-time voters who are going to cast their vote in this election.
With 1.8 million electronic voting machines, 814 million registered voters, 6 national parties, 1,593 registered unrecognised regional parties and 50 regional parties the stage has been set for the largest democracy to vote for the sixteenth time. Election Commission’s efforts towards bringing into force Model of Conduct have also finally borne fruit. That it has introduced the None of the Above (NOTA) option for those who do not wish to vote for any candidate is a remarkable step in our progress towards electoral reform.
Also, the Commission has ensured that vote-seeking does not literally spread to the walls. Writing on walls is an offence under the Model Code of Conduct. Now the spaces where posters can be put up have to be pre-approved by the district returning officers. This election there are going to be no blaring loudspeakers either as Election Commission has prohibited political parties from playing blaring loudspeakers till late into the night.
Such changes have swept over the otherwise charged atmosphere with a sense of much-required discipline, while infusing more enthusiasm in voters. There is undoubtedly a lot of hope and excitement around the crucial question, “Will the 16th general election truly bring about the change that we are hoping for?” As Tony Nash, Vice President at economic research firm IHS aptly sums up the sentiment, “People have been watching keenly as they are looking for that one change that will signal a change of pace.”
This is exactly the pulse of the nation as it continues to go through the nine phases of the general election. We have had a history of voting for parties. We look for our heroes within our chosen loyalties for particular parties. Over time, this has changed, though. And this is the reason, perhaps, why we have not had a single-party government since 1989. This election we will probably take another step ahead.
This election the age and experience pattern of our voters is also different from earlier times with a record number of first-time voters. They will have to be informed and educated along with many others who may have voted earlier without being adequately informed about the process and people. We expect this to be a long drawn process, but we have already made a good start. So what is the Indian voter likely to vote for in this election?
What does change mean to each one of us? Development? Sustainability? Secularism? More jobs? A new personality? Or an old dynasty? At the heart of this question, I am sure we will find the unanimous answer. We are indomitable seekers and we are on our way to ‘finding better’. We know that our good will largely depend on the people we vote for. And therefore, we are keen to put the reigns of our country in the hands of capable and deserving custodians.
To draw a comparison, the country works much like the corporate. We need leaders who uphold integrity, enable development and help the company and country move ahead. They build a vision, a roadmap and take the people through it to achieve short-term benefits and long-term gains. A country is no different. We look at our leaders to give us direction and help us realise our dreams for us. A leader in a corporate world is selected basis his or her vision, skills education, achievements, charisma, integrity, emotional intelligence, an inspiring delivery and sterling character.
What criteria will we apply to select our political leader? Will we check his or her track record in public life, contribution to society and country, education, skills? Why do we think he or she is fit for the job? What is the expected role and how will he or she prove to be head and shoulders above the rest? Truth is that mostly candidates are selected in election based on qualifications other than the ones mentioned above.
A simple question can be the pathfinder, though. We need to ask, “Why you?” It is true we want change, positive change. But change is a humongous task and alone we are not enough. We need a team, just like we do in a corporates. Therefore, it is pertinent that in our own way we evaluate the whole team that stands behind the leader we select. It cannot be an individual decision made in a silo, ever. Simply put, focus on the means to the end and not just the end.
To my mind, our democracy is the beauty and the beast together. And we are the soul of it; we are the real change makers. We talk about issues every day and we have opinions about corruption, education, infrastructure, foreign direct investment, industry et al. This is our chance to express our opinions to be able to ‘find better’. Our belief and perspective can make a change; this is our chance to vote and bring in that change that we aspire for. This is our chance to exercise our rights and help the country decipher the real from the fake. If we have had the audacity to hope, now is our chance to make our dreams a reality. So let’s vote, ethically and responsibly.