[UPSC Interview prep feed Vol.5] Compulsory Voting Model

Issues Discussed
Compulsory Voting Model

Introduction
This topic finds a mention in these series dedicated for current topics because recently Gujarat cleared a law making voting compulsory in the local bodies which was earlier blocked for many years by the former Governor Kamla Beniwal.

Even the Election Commission has questioned this move that this would violate fundamental rights and the mechanisms for penalysing the offenders would create additional revenue heads escalating the cost of elections to unthinkable proportions.

Now, as per the provisions of this law, the govt. will be appointing officials who will have the power to earmark "defaulters" except the cases of illness and other emergencies. The law mentions a possible punishment though it does not clarify what will be the nature of punishment.

Gujrat govt. claims that it is a tool to "strenthen" the democracy in the state. But isn't "discent" an important element of democracy?

Worldwide Scenario?
The model of Compulsory voting is adopted by Australia in the most literal sense of the word as they also have penalising provisions. But even that experiment could only draw 92% of the citizens and rest are to be penalised. But the litigation amounting from it and the cost involved is possibely telling the authorities to take a back step. This is also practiced is most of the South American Countries and also in Mexico. Like Cricket, we can learn from the Australians here as well!

Arguments for.

• Like Taxation, this should be seen as a civic duty and hence should be enforceble.
• If everyone votes then we would have a genuine mandate of the populace.
• If all sections of the society are obligated to vote then govt. wil have to do certain special arrangment for them. This would allow the vulnerable and dependent sections to easily use this right to vote.
• This would result in political stimulation.
• As people need not be pulled out of homes to vote, the role of money in politics would decline.
• Those who might not have an opinion can utilize the option of NOTA.

Arguements Against.

• It is a civic right and not a duty.
• It would violate freedom of expression.
• Majority of candidates who have no knowledge about the polity and the candidates would have to vote. "Donkey-votes"!
• Drafting  a mechanism to penalize is a big big challenge both in terms of morality and resources.

Having said that, we must remember that it will not be possible untill be address the issue of migrant votes. Most of us are not living in our home constituency and the govt. should allow people to vote whereever they are temporarily residing. If the NRI can get voting rights, so should the migrant voters. Plus, for starters we can always include Duty to Vote in the Fundamental Duties for symbolism sake.

Know about Jat and Maratha Reservation by Clicking here!