Participation

The concept of participation in electoral politics is a fundamental component of modern democratic systems, including that of India, the world’s largest democracy. Participation refers to the active involvement of citizens in the processes of elections, either directly through voting, campaigning, and contesting elections, or indirectly through political discussions, support for candidates, and mobilization within civil society. It is not merely an act but a measure of democratic vitality. The degree, nature, and form of this participation serve as indicators of political awareness, inclusivity, and the legitimacy of the political system.

At its core, electoral participation refers to the right and responsibility of eligible citizens to vote in regular, free, and fair elections. In India, the universal adult franchise was granted from the very beginning of the Republic in 1950, allowing every citizen above the age of 21 (later reduced to 18 years in 1988 by the 61st Constitutional Amendment Act) to vote irrespective of caste, class, gender, religion, or literacy. This decision was unprecedented among post-colonial societies, as most countries introduced voting rights gradually, often linking them to education or property. The Indian state’s commitment to universal suffrage is a foundational element of its democratic character.

Participation in electoral politics in India is conducted under the supervision of the Election Commission of India, a constitutional body established under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution. This body is responsible for the conduct, supervision, and management of elections to the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice-President. The Commission ensures that participation is free, fair, and transparent by maintaining electoral rolls, implementing the Model Code of Conduct, deploying Election Observers, and facilitating voter awareness campaigns under initiatives like Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP).

One of the most direct forms of electoral participation is voting, and voter turnout is a crucial metric in assessing the level of participation. India has witnessed a gradual rise in voter turnout over the decades. In the first General Election of 1951-52, the turnout was around 45.7%, whereas in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the turnout reached 67.4%, the highest ever in India’s parliamentary history. This increasing trend suggests a growing awareness and engagement among the electorate, although regional disparities, urban apathy, and socio-economic barriers continue to impact participation levels. For instance, rural areas consistently show higher voting rates than urban areas. In 2019, rural voter turnout was approximately 71%, while urban participation lagged behind at around 65%.

Another factual dimension of participation includes contesting elections, which involves not only individual candidates but also political parties, many of which are issue-based or identity-based in orientation. In the 2019 general elections, over 8,000 candidates contested for 543 Lok Sabha seats, representing more than 650 registered political parties, although only national and state parties have significant influence. This large number of candidates reflects both the accessibility of the electoral process and the fragmentation of political representation.