Be A Part of Indian Democracy

India’s upcoming general election will be the largest democratic event in history, with more than 814 million people entitled to vote to decide the country’s 16th government. This, however, is not the only record that will be broken when the world’s largest democracy goes to the polls.

According to the Centre for Media Studies, Indian politicians will spend as much as $4.9 billion during the electoral contest, which will end in May, with the final votes counted – and India’s next government decided – by May 16.

Youth vote can reshape 2014 polls and can bring changes in Indian politics. 

Voters at the national level will now have the option of selecting “none of the above”, allowing them to reject parliamentary candidates for the first time. 

Young people demand that our polity focuses on education, health, safety, services, empowerment and jobs, not jati-waad.

According to the Election Commission “The elections will see over 1.79 lakh new young voters on average in each constituency”. 

Of them, about 24 per cent, or around 43,000, will be first-time voters, in the 18-19 age group. That’s a significant figure, as the winning margin was less than this in 226 Lok Sabha constituencies in the 2009 elections.

Unlike earlier years, where 'youth power' was glorified in politicians' and ideologues' style, but amounted to little in electoral votes, 2014 is different.

Over 65% of India's population is under 35 years now. Data suggests first-time voters in India, between 18-23 years, compose 14% of the electorate. That's a staggering number. The difference it could make to this election and our polity is huge.

In six states — Rajasthan (25 seats), Chhattisgarh (11), Madhya Pradesh (29), West Bengal (42), Uttar Pradesh (80) and Assam (14) — which account for 201 Lok Sabha constituencies, the number of voters between 18 and 19 years of age per constituency is higher than the national average.

The BJP is upbeat about these statistics, as they expect new voters to be “unburdened” by political ideologies and to boost the anti-incumbency against the ruling Congress.

“The psychology of the young voter is unpolluted. These voters are bound to be more agitated about corruption, price rise and the lack of job opportunities. For them, good governance will be the issue.

By not voting, we're doing ourselves the biggest harm possible. We're blowing the one big chance we have to make a positive difference.

The more young people vote, the more our concerns modern, secular, progressive will shape India's agenda.

If we don't vote, we must be prepared to live with broken streets, non-existent jobs, subsistence-level services, communal politics, corrupt officials and no one in charge listening to you.

To break that vicious cycle, sign up and vote. There are hassles involved — address proofs are a headache for many in places other than birth locations — but brave these. You're young. Use your energy — the troubles are small, advantages great.

A single Vote can make all the difference

If you don’t vote, you are killing democracy:

If we want to keep our democracy alive then every citizens of India (who is eligible for voting) should come out and exercise their voting rights.

Do not choose your candidate party wise. Think carefully and then elect a candidate who is responsible and you feel will work towards betterment of society and bring a change. If you don’t vote, you are killing democracy.   

A single vote can help select the right candidate:

By voting, we voice our opinion and get to choose the deserving candidate. Those who do not vote have no rights to criticise about the non-performing political leaders. Your single vote can help select the right candidate that can benefit the city and the nation on a whole.

A single vote can bring positive changes in society:

Citizens must vote to make politicians realise that the people deserve more than what they are being offered in terms of facilities, public works, education, amenities and medical assistance among others. If we want positive changes in society, we have to come out and vote for the right candidates. Elect candidates who know the reality at ground level.

Voting gives us a chance to voice our opinion:

If we want our government to be responsible and accountable to people, then we must vote dutifully. It gives us a chance to voice our opinion and decide which party should work for welfare of society. There can be many reasons for not voting such as political apathy on part of people, but to keep the democracy alive, people must come out and vote.

We must cast our votes to help flush out corrupt leaders:

Our constitution is based on the principle of one citizen, one vote, one value, but one value has not come into existence till now.

Votes are being bought and this is happening because citizens are not exercising their voting rights. One must understand that when we have accepted democracy, we have also accepted voting as part of our democratic right. We must cast votes to help flush out corrupt leaders from politics.

By not voting, you are sacrificing your sacred right:

Voting is a sacred right of every individual and exercising his/her voting rights is the duty of the citizens of India. If you do not vote, you do not have any moral right to criticise any other political leaders.

If citizens do not vote, they are unnecessarily sacrificing their sacred right. The youth must especially understand how important and prized their vote is, which will help shape the future of the country.

With 12 Crore first time voters, the wave of change, is about to begin.Please make sure you have made yourself registered.


For online registration please follow the link below:

Click here for Online Voting Registration:

The 2014 general election will be one of the greatest milestones in India’s democratic history. 

So Get Ready To Vote: Polling begins on April 7 & Ends on May 12.