Voting - A personal choice

APRIL 30th, 2009 saw Mumbaikars voting in the 15th Lok Sabha elections. But a mere 45 percent of the Mumbaikars actually exercised their franchise. Mumbai is considered the most populated city in the country. Not only is it the “Land of Dreams” but it is also the financial capital of India. Mumbai plays a crucial role in controlling the Indian economy which is now certainly facing a recession, to a large extent.

Mumbai has been wounded deeply and such a low turnout proves that the Mumbaikars are deeply hurt. No more will fake promises and fake assurances work. By not exercising their franchise, 55 percent of the voters have conveyed their grief and grievances, in their own way. Does it mean that Mumbaikars have lost all faith in the government? Does it mean it makes absolutely no difference to them whichever party is voted to power because at the end of the day, it is the common man that suffers? Truth has to come out in some way or the other and the truth is that the people of India repose no faith in their government.

The low voter turnout has stunned prime ministerial candidate LK Advani . It led him to suggest that voting be made compulsory in India. This statement has triggered several debates and discussions on the TV. India is a democratic country, where each one is free to express his/her will. The right to vote is a fundamental right that the Indian constitution provides and each individual is free to exercise his / her franchise. Nobody can just force the people to exercise their franchise.

Advani’s idea of making it compulsory for people to exercise their franchise is totally out of the box. If people have a right to vote, then people also have a right not to vote. In a democratic country like India, choice and compulsion do not go together. The choice is left to the people - whether to vote or not and this choice should continue to be left to the people.

55 percent of the people who have not voted, have chosen not to vote, out of choice and they have a right to exercise their choice. 55 percent represents a majority of Mumbai’s population. Hence let us just respect the decision of the majority.