26 January or Republic Day is preceded by Voters Day – a day to ponder on what exactly democracy is. It is a day for us to recognise that voting is not just a right of each citizen but also a duty. And as we thought about the importance of voting on 25 January, today, Republic Day is the day when we must think about what participative democracy really means – beyond merely voting.
From 2011 onwards, 25 January has been observed as Voter’s Day to make more people involved in the process of voting. Each year there is a theme and this year's is ‘Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative’
Many people choose not to vote, believing that their lone vote is not going to make much of a difference. However in a democracy, every vote counts and every vote is a voice – because involved, concerned citizens can become a potent force for positive change.
A lot of us think of a voting day as just another holiday rather than a day to participate in the process of democracy. It is apathetic citizens who don’t bother to vote because of which poor-quality candidates may be able to assume office.
Most political parties took the opportunity to blow their own trumpet on the occasion. However, it is true that voting is most effective and meaningful when it is inclusive, accessible and participative.
One’s duties as a citizen do not stop at voting. They also encompass treating all citizens as equal and doing one's bit to stop the spread of hate and misinformation in society.
For many, voting is a sacred duty. A lot of voters make the extra effort to see that they never miss the opportunity to vote.
As a citizen, one has to try and vote for the candidate based on ability and commitment to improving the lot of the neediest in society; not based on religion, caste, identity or political affiliation.
A lot of people suffered because of what they see as the government’s mishandling of the COVID crisis and believe that incumbents should not be rewarded for this with another term in office.
It is via one’s vote that citizens can make their voices heard – including changes to the voting system itself. A lot of citizens have been demanding a ban on EVMs and a return to paper ballots. While both systems have their pros and cons, as a citizen, this is one’s right to prefer one system over another and to ask for the change one believes is for the greater good.
Today on our 73rd Republic Day it is important to remember that democracy doesn’t just mean the right and duty to vote. It is also about being a good citizen: who upholds laws, pays taxes, does their bit to improve the lot of the less fortunate. For democracy to be effective, it has to be participative – not just a one-day event but a process that must continue throughout the term of the candidate.
Unfortunately in India, we have no right to recall elected representatives for not doing their job. We can, however, participate in other ways. We can continue to question the powers that be, demanding justice, accountability and reform. We must remember that we are citizens and not subjects and that our elected representatives are not our rulers, but our service providers. They are answerable to us – and we would be remiss in our duties as citizens if we did not ask the questions that matter; if we did not hold governments and their representatives accountable for their acts and omissions.
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