In a recent poll conducted by Youth Ki Awaaz, the satisfaction levels of the youth regarding the electoral process of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections were measured. With a total of 9,980 votes, the poll revealed that 37.7% of the respondents were satisfied with the electoral process, 16.2% were neutral, 37.2% were unsatisfied, and 9% could not say. These results shed light on the sentiments and perceptions of young voters towards the electoral process, providing valuable insights into their level of engagement with democracy.
Contextualizing the poll results, it is important to note that India’s youngest voters, those aged 18 and 34, are showing dismally low interest in the elections, with less than 40% registering nationwide. This lack of interest is particularly evident in states like Bihar, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, where enrollment rates were significantly lower than the national average. Despite efforts by the Election Commission and non-governmental organizations to encourage youth participation, logistical hurdles and a perceived lack of representation continue to hinder the engagement of young voters in the electoral process.
Low Voter Registration and Enrollment Rates
A dismal picture of voter registration and enrollment rates among India’s youngest voters has been noted. Fewer than 40% of young people across the nation have registered to vote, with certain states like Bihar, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh recording enrollment rates of less than a quarter. This is a significant issue, considering the emphasis placed by political parties on the youth as key constituents in shaping India’s future and electoral outcomes.
Logistical Hurdles and Lack of Representation
Logistical hurdles such as paperwork processing and the opportunity costs associated with voting further deter participation, particularly among migrant workers and students. Additionally, the perceived lack of representation and the absence of formal instruction on governance and electoral processes in schools contribute to disinterest among young people. This lack of representation is evident in the fact that only a little over 1.8 crore new voters in the 18- and 19-year-old bracket have been included in the electoral rolls, which is considerably lower than the projected population size of this demographic.
Polarization and Fear of Expression
The poll results also indicate that India’s youths feel the country has become increasingly polarized in terms of political opinions. This polarization is accompanied by a growing fear of expressing oneself openly, as many young people feel that their opinions are not being heard and that they are being targeted by political parties.
About two-thirds of the population is under 30 years old, and a majority of young voters have spent their adulthood with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in power. This prolonged exposure to a single government has led to a growing sense of disillusionment and disconnection among young people. The polarization is further exacerbated by the increasing intolerance of different views, which has made many young people reluctant to express themselves openly.
Incident in Sambhal, UP: A Disturbing Trend
The recent incident in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, where Muslim voters were allegedly prevented from casting their ballots by the police, highlights the deep-seated issues of voter suppression and intimidation that plague India’s electoral process. The incident, which saw many injured and polling stations disrupted, underscores the need for greater vigilance and protection of the democratic rights of all citizens, regardless of their religious or political affiliations.
This incident has significant implications for voter confidence in the electoral process. The allegations of police brutality and voter intimidation can erode trust in the democratic system, leading to a decline in voter participation and a sense of disillusionment among citizens. This can have long-term consequences for the health of democracy, as it can lead to a lack of engagement and a sense of disconnection from the political process.
Need for Sustained Educational Initiatives
Addressing the underlying causes of voter apathy among India’s youngest demographic remains a significant challenge that necessitates sustained engagement and educational initiatives. Efforts by the Election Commission and NGOs to promote voter registration, including awareness campaigns and the inclusion of younger candidates, have been ongoing. However, more needs to be done to address the logistical hurdles and perceived lack of representation that hinder youth participation.
The poll results highlight the need for sustained educational initiatives to address voter apathy among the youth and to encourage their active participation in the democratic process. The lack of interest among young people in the electoral process is a significant concern, given the emphasis placed by political parties on the youth as key constituents. Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that includes addressing logistical hurdles, promoting political education, and ensuring that the voices of young people are heard.