Today is Election Day in Tamil Nadu. Voters across the state will cast their votes to elect their local governments - at the Panchayat, Municipality and Corporation levels. As a citizen of the world's biggest democracy, I learnt a few things about democracy which left me humbled. Here they are:
1) Election Day is a Festival Day: When I walked near a polling booth early this morning, the ambience was that of a festival. There was an air of celebration and a buzz about the process. Voters came well turned out as if dressed for a festival. It was a celebration of our fundamental right, an empowered citizen. It was a festival of no particular religion - Hindus, Muslims, Christians all joined the celebrations. The fact that it was an official holiday lent to the festive atmosphere. Elections are the festivals of democracy. Let's celebrate them!
2) Right to Contest: There are 32 candidates standing for the post of the Mayor of Chennai and there are as many symbols allotted to them to choose from. As a citizen, I can recognise three candidates. But that does not prevent the remaining 29 from trying their hand at being a candidate. Often I have heard the argument that non-serious/ casual candidates vitiate the democratic process. I guess that is democracy's way of dealing with itself - if the candidates are seen as good, their numbers will be taken care automatically. Democracy means I can be the government!
3) Voter Identity: Voters came with their identity cards wrapped carefully. Many guard it more carefully (in plastic covers, in envelops, etc) than themselves. It gives them their identity as citizens of this country. It is a mere piece of laminated paper that gives them unprecedented power - a power that could not be touched or taken away. They know how to safeguard it and protect it. And, as a voter, use it to make a difference!
4) An Exercise Non Pareil: I have often read that conducting elections in India was an exercise involving mammoth logistics. I realised it too soon. The voters were ready for casting their ballots when the booths opened but some of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) developed snags. Soon, in the most efficient fashion, we saw jeeps carrying alternate machines reach the venue of polling and voting get back on track. So, things work in this country when we set our minds to it. And, elections are something no one - politicians, bureaucrats, policemen, citizens - messes around with. Hope their sanctity remains forever!
5) A Great Leveller: Elections do not distinguish the educated from the uneducated, the weak from the strong, the idealist from a pessimist, the haves from the have nots. As they exercise their franchise, all voters are the same. They come to the same voting station, stand in the same queue, follow the same process and live with the same results. Elections don't discriminate......makes us feel one amongst equals!
All these years, I have remained a passive citizen. This election has been different. I can say, it has changed me.......I have been humbled by my experience of our democracy. I realise the real worth of our democracy.
1) Election Day is a Festival Day: When I walked near a polling booth early this morning, the ambience was that of a festival. There was an air of celebration and a buzz about the process. Voters came well turned out as if dressed for a festival. It was a celebration of our fundamental right, an empowered citizen. It was a festival of no particular religion - Hindus, Muslims, Christians all joined the celebrations. The fact that it was an official holiday lent to the festive atmosphere. Elections are the festivals of democracy. Let's celebrate them!
2) Right to Contest: There are 32 candidates standing for the post of the Mayor of Chennai and there are as many symbols allotted to them to choose from. As a citizen, I can recognise three candidates. But that does not prevent the remaining 29 from trying their hand at being a candidate. Often I have heard the argument that non-serious/ casual candidates vitiate the democratic process. I guess that is democracy's way of dealing with itself - if the candidates are seen as good, their numbers will be taken care automatically. Democracy means I can be the government!
3) Voter Identity: Voters came with their identity cards wrapped carefully. Many guard it more carefully (in plastic covers, in envelops, etc) than themselves. It gives them their identity as citizens of this country. It is a mere piece of laminated paper that gives them unprecedented power - a power that could not be touched or taken away. They know how to safeguard it and protect it. And, as a voter, use it to make a difference!
4) An Exercise Non Pareil: I have often read that conducting elections in India was an exercise involving mammoth logistics. I realised it too soon. The voters were ready for casting their ballots when the booths opened but some of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) developed snags. Soon, in the most efficient fashion, we saw jeeps carrying alternate machines reach the venue of polling and voting get back on track. So, things work in this country when we set our minds to it. And, elections are something no one - politicians, bureaucrats, policemen, citizens - messes around with. Hope their sanctity remains forever!
5) A Great Leveller: Elections do not distinguish the educated from the uneducated, the weak from the strong, the idealist from a pessimist, the haves from the have nots. As they exercise their franchise, all voters are the same. They come to the same voting station, stand in the same queue, follow the same process and live with the same results. Elections don't discriminate......makes us feel one amongst equals!
All these years, I have remained a passive citizen. This election has been different. I can say, it has changed me.......I have been humbled by my experience of our democracy. I realise the real worth of our democracy.
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