IMPORTANCE OF THOUGHTFUL VOTING

India is the world's largest democracy with current population of about 1.21 billion. The success of democracy and formation of responsible government is directly dependent on the voting power of the citizens. Elections form the bedrock of India. Since Independence, as many as 15 Lok Sabha's have been formed through elections, the first one being held in 1951-52. This time they are starting from 7 April 2014. The methodology of election is through universal adult suffrage, whereby every citizen of India over 18 years of age is an eligible voter in the eyes of the Constitution. But the question arises that are we voting? Are we utilizing this power at its best?

Voting is the best way to get one's opinions heard, as it allows one to select the candidate who best represents their views. Voting also helps democracy to prevail and if people didn't vote they would be ruled by someone who wouldn't necessarily represent them or have the country's interests at heart. So the need of the hour is not just vote but do thoughtful voting. Every individual can make a difference. The reason to vote cannot be over stated. One man one vote says a lot. It puts each person on equal footing. A vote from a rich person has the same power as a poor person. Young people have the same right to be heard as their elders.

In some cases nowadays people hesitated to vote. While others just vote because their family or friends have pleaded them in order to make their close ones win. In this year’s elections we need to change this scenario.  When a person does not vote, or votes without thinking then that individual citizen does not participate with the electoral process. What would happen if no one voted? Our democracy would end! Voting gives you the right and voice, to have the say, who will be the next most powerful leader in the world. It is the single most effective way to make your voice be heard. If you are not using this opportunity judiciously, you give away your right to influence the government overall.

Have we become a nation of low information voters whose knowledge is largely limited to media sound-bites and newspaper headlines? It must be every citizen's responsibility to determine if a candidate has kept his/her promises through knowledge of past performance. A question every voter must ask as he/she participates in this election: "Is this leader worth my vote?"

It can't be denied that the recent democratic experience in India has not been encouraging. For the past several years, India has been struggling with rampant corruption, unsure economy, and unclear foreign policy. Election after election has seen ineffective governments come to power that have done more harm than good. Therefore, we need to take a stand now. It is our duty as responsible citizens of India to make informed decisions and choose the best candidate from those presented. 

The success and failure of our state and nation lies in our hands, our responsibility is to investigate and elect representatives who are patriots, men and women who are willing to jealously guard the Constitution and who will continually put country over personal gain.

Posted By: Anam, brand ambassador "MY VOTE FOR a BETTER INDIA" social initiative by "Pickyouropinion.com".