Lok Sabha elections 2024: Understanding the process, importance of voting, and significant stakes

As India gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, it is crucial for citizens to familiarise themselves with the electoral process, the significance of voting, and the key elements shaping the upcoming polls that are likely to be held between April and May 2024. The general elections are slated to elect 543 members of the Lok Sabha through the First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) system. This system doesnt allocate seats proportionally based on total vote share but determines them by the plurality in each constituency. Members, elected through adult universal suffrage, hold their seats for a term of five years or until dissolution. The Lok Sabha comprises a total of 545 seats, with the Election Commission conducting elections to fill 543 seats. Understanding the nuances of this electoral mechanism is fundamental for every citizen. In anticipation of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, a comprehensive awareness program on Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) is underway. The initiative aims to provide citizens with a firsthand experience of the voting process and foster familiarity with these technologies. The scope of this program is extensive, covering 3464 Assembly Constituencies across 613 Districts in 31 States/Union Territories. Excluding recently polled states, over 3500 demonstration centres and 4250 mobile vans have been strategically set up. This physical demonstration of EVM/VVPAT functionality is complemented by a robust social media campaign led by Chief Electoral Officers and District Electoral Officers to maximise outreach. Importance of voting Casting a vote is a fundamental way for citizens to influence the direction of their countrys governance. Despite eligibility, a significant portion of Indian citizens tends to abstain from voting. However, the 2019 Lok Sabha elections witnessed a record-breaking turnout, with 67.11 per cent of eligible voters exercising their right. This surge in participation indicates a growing enthusiasm for the electoral process. Each individuals vote holds substantial sway, presenting an opportunity for those dissatisfied with the current government to advocate for change. Voting serves as a mechanism for people to contribute to societal transformations by endorsing politicians who align with their values and principles. Moreover, voting empowers individuals to articulate their opinions and preferences regarding the management of their country or state. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring that a spectrum of voices, representing diverse perspectives, is acknowledged and considered in the decision-making processes at the national or state level. Right to vote The right to vote is granted to all Indian citizens aged 18 or older and registered to vote by the Indian Constitution. Upon registration, individuals receive the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), commonly known as the Voter ID card. To register, applicants must submit their application to designated officers in the constituency where their regular residence is situated. The application, along with necessary documents, can be submitted in person or sent by mail to the officers. Online submission of the form is also an option. In the event of a voter relocating to a different place, a new registration form must be completed. Each voter is entitled to cast only one vote, and they can do so solely at the location where they are registered. For further details on the registration process, please refer to this website. Star candidates With the 2024 Lok Sabha elections just a few months away, each political party is actively formulating its strategies based on individual considerations. CVoter conducted a survey to gauge public opinion on the potential retention of seats by star candidates such as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Smriti Irani, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the next five years. The survey indicates that prominent figures like Narendra Modi, Rajnath Singh, Rahul Gandhi, and Amit Shah are expected to lead with a significant margin over their opponents. On the other hand, candidates like Ajay Kumar Teni, Sonia Gandhi, and Chirag Paswan may have narrower leads. Significant stakes The 2024 Lok Sabha elections hold significant importance due to the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) decisive victories in major state elections in December. Sameer Lalwani, a senior expert on South Asia at the United States Institute of Peace, notes in a report that the BJPs national triumph in the parliamentary elections appears almost certain, given the partys success and the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A victory for the BJP in these elections would secure Modi a third consecutive five-year term, positioning him as one of Indias longest-serving prime ministers. While Lalwani acknowledges the predictability of the election outcome, he emphasises the importance of observing the process and campaign dynamics, as they may have implications for BJP rule and Indian governance beyond 2024. The 2014 and 2019 elections focused on economic and national security issues, respectively. However, there is a growing concern that the BJP might shift towards identity politics in the 2024 campaign, potentially deepening religious divides in India. Modis campaign could highlight his achievements in terms of macroeconomic growth, substantial infrastructure investments, new welfare initiatives, and Indias enhanced international standing, exemplified by leadership roles in the Group of 20 and successful lunar landings. Lalwani suggests that, alternatively, if the BJP is concerned about issues such as high inflation and rising unemployment, it might pivot towards emphasizing Hindu nationalism. However, he cautions that an escalation in communal tensions could pose challenges for BJP governance, diverting resources from developmental agendas, harming Indias global image and relations with Western democracies, and discouraging foreign investment.