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".

 

VOTE! BE A PART OF THE CHANGE

Today in my society where I stay I overheard a few young men sitting and chit chatting about something. It was the old petty discussion on politics, on how the government is failing to meet up with the demands of the common man or “aam aadmi”. It is amazing how intense and passionate we are when it comes to debates and discussions but when the question is asked how are you helping the country in making it better? Then the answer which comes from the other side is that the government is responsible for all that and we have no responsibility whatsoever.

  

                                                    Do you have "Voter ID CARD"?

Now, one would ask what really the responsibilities of a citizen are. Sit on “dharna” every time your mother does not let you go out on a night out? No, it might serve the purpose and help you get the permission but it will certainly not help in contributing towards your responsibilities. Keeping the city clean, this includes influencing people around you to do the same. It is a very basic thing to do but if taken up seriously can do wonders, try it. There are hundreds of other responsibilities but the most important one being electing your own government. If we do not vote then we have no right to complaint as well.

I have come across people who are so ignorant that they do not even know how many parties are competing against each other. “Apne ko usse kya matlab?” this is the attitude carried with a lot of pride amongst the friends. I being a youngster myself have come across this kind of a dialogue umpteen times. With the elections round the corner and the third front becoming quite prominent, things have heated up and all the parties are coming up with massive agendas and promises once they come to power. It is becoming more and more difficult for the voter to decide whom to vote for. Congress has made it clear that Rahul Gandhi will not become their PM candidate nor will they announce their candidate has made it even more ambiguous.

                                  

                      Whom would you vote for in Rajkot Lok Sabha election 2014?

It will be a fresh start for the people of this country and only we can help to bring that change, by voting. It is our prerogative to make sure that the people around us, our family members, friends, loved ones should vote. We should compel them to do so. Vote! So that next time someone asks you what have you done for the country’s progress? You can tell with utmost pride, ‘I have chosen the government, I have voted, I have lived up to my responsibilities’.

Posted By: KARAN BHATT, brand ambassador "MY VOTE FOR a BETTER INDIA" social initiative by  "pickyouropinion.com".

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