Does the Periodic Elections off-set the Momentum of Development Milieu??

Elections in India display a Grandeur curtain of 3Ms i.e. Money, Mind and Muscle.  They resemble the national festival of India with voters waiting for a Development Agenda & Political Parties swaying the voters through Political Manifestos. This is the rule of Indian elections. With the ongoing general elections the trajectory is on the higher wavelength deciding the projected outcomes of the election. According to ESCAP survey2019 themed ‘Ambitions beyond growth,’ it is argued that Asia-Pacific region requires investing an additional $1.5 trillion every year to reach the Agenda for #SDG goals by 2030.On the other side of the coin, the #ESCAP survey acknowledges that at $1 per person per day, this investment is worthwhile. It could end extreme poverty and malnutrition for more than 400 million people. How far can we justify providing reasonable fodder for a decent & dignified living for the 1.2 billion Indian population?

The ESCAP Survey acknowledges that Asia-Pacific region requires an additional investment of $1.5 trillion every year to reach the Agenda for SDG goals by 2030. On the contrary, we witness that election expenditures have definitely gone up, perhaps more than 3 times from 1999 to 2014 (10.5 crores to 3870.3 crores for the Lok Sabha elections). It is rumored that ongoing elections will be the most expensive in Indian history and probably the most expensive election in any democratic country. What if we visualise a pragmatic scenario to streamline grandeur election expenses to be productively used for the 1.2 billion Indian population? And how far the flawless idea of holding Elections within every 7 years, as against the current 5 year is a boon for India?

Deciphering the rat race for Electionomics

Have we ever realized the statistics of election expenditure? The total election expenditure in India is increasing by leaps and bounds. Perhaps the attributes of the ongoing general election is already enumerated & written. The election expenditures for the Lok Sabha elections have definitely gone up, more than 3 times from 1999 to 2014 (10.5 crores to 3870.3 crores). Moreover, the political parties are likely to spend nearly Rs 50,000 crore during the election campaign, according to estimates of CMS, a Delhi-based think tank. Even the interim budget 2019 introduced populist spending measures worth at a startling figure of Rs 1.8 lakh crore ($25.37 billion). It is acknowledged that India will be the most expensive in Indian history and probably the most expensive election in any democratic country much beyond the combined US presidential and Congressional elections costed USD 6.5 billion in 2016.

It’s well judged vision that lot of money and time being spent on elections could be put to better use. The present election system represents a tug of war between regional politics and appeasement politics. What is more disturbing aspect of the dance of political democracy is that Development activities come to halt due to enforcement of Model Code of Conduct, preventing the government to take bolder steps in the interests of public. Much efforts are wasted on creating publicity and hype about political parties and specifically  Frequent election also take a heavy toll on the public exchequer, wastage of time, money and resources. In similar parlance, #NITIAayog has highlighted that frequent elections a ‘fundamental problem’ in the electoral system.

The Election rules prescribes that a candidate can spend upto 70 lakh, depending on the state they are contesting the Lok Sabha elections. However, the rule stands to exclude expenditure of political parties. Here comes the actual turning point. With no visibility or transparency in election funding for parties, such loopholes often disturb the Checks and Balances of Democracy.

Also, the South Asian Region incurred losses and damage equivalent to $1.3 trillion between 1970 and 2016. How can we compensate for damages already done or strengthen our investment mechanisms for the future economic growth and #SDGs is certainly a million dollar question. It is hence indicated that as per the #ESCAP survey, an additional investment of $434 billion per year would be needed for clean energy and climate-resilient infrastructure. But where is the mandate of #Greenpoliticalagenda included? Are the political parties even listening?

Drawing a thick line in Election expenses

The solution lies by clearly demarcating the link between election spending and the development indicators. It must be realized that India needs electoral reforms and introduction of good practices in politics. On the other hand, India also needs to secure its SDGs by 2030. India’s #GDP is poised to grow at 7.3% (2019-20) and 7.5% (2020-21), according to #IMF estimates. In short, we must not shy away from considering the diversion of election expenses, political funding towards realizing the SDGs and secure the estimated Growth & Development trajectory of India.

The focus of respective parties should move beyond the rhetoric mere from winning elections towards good governance. This basically starts from redefining the time frame of elections held. A proposal to hold Elections every 7 years with equivalent gaps between 2 elections, as against the current 5 years can be a boon in disguise. This is a necessitated reform for a Democracy like India where the need for stable government would definitely bring Development prospects. Moreover, the government functionaries involved in election duty will also prevent their diversion from their regular responsibilities. Further, the rising political expenditure, diversion of funds towards non-developmental activities, vote-bank politics being the main source of corruption and black money shall be curbed to a large extent.

Taking note of international arena, Belgium witnesses five different kinds of elections where European elections and federal elections are held every five years, coinciding with each other and even in Indonesia, the presidential and legislative elections would be held simultaneously from 2019. India could learn from these countries.

Elections every 7 years would require lesser deployment of forces and resources together, which presently is a seen as a big challenge. Elections must envisage a competitive spirit where different developmental aspirations of citizens are Discussed, Debated & Deliberated. An election mandate must acknowledge Socio-Political perspectives as well to transform India into Socio-Economic Democracy, not just Political Democracy.

Changing the discourse of political parties must be on top of agenda. Our Constitution of India is flexible to bring amendments that strengthen democracy to bring citizen-centric governance. Can the political parties pledge to deliberate the merits of holding sustainable elections every 7 years? How shall the citizen react? It’s time to ponder. It’s time to comment too.

#SustainableElections #Constitution #India #changing #Elections #Agenda #Belgium #EuropeanElections

References

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/elections/lok-sabha/india/numbers-behind-the-elections-10-interesting-things-about-the-worlds-largest-electorate/articleshow/68351073.cms

https://www.businesstoday.in/current/economy-politics/lok-sabha-polls-2019-pre-election-spending-by-parties-in-next-2-months-will-decelerate-india-growth/story/323840.html