With election season right here, many of us are facing the big question: Who gets our vote?
Picking the best candidate can feel like solving a mystery, especially if it's your first time. How do we navigate this challenge and make an informed choice? It's essential to make an informed decision for the health of our democracy, but don't worry—what seems like a challenge now won't be after you read this article. Dive in, and we'll make picking your perfect candidate a breeze!
The first step in making a voting decision is to understand your own priorities.
What issues matter most to you? Whether it’s economic growth, healthcare, education, social justice, or national security, knowing your priorities will help you evaluate candidates and parties more effectively.
For example, if economic development is your primary concern, you might look for a candidate who has a strong track record of implementing policies that will help with job creation and industrial growth. India’s economy grew by 7.5% every year in the mid-2010s, but recent years have slowed down this growth and increased unemployment. A candidate who has a good economic plan could help reduce unemplyment.
Once you have identified your key issues, the next step is to research the candidates and parties.
In India, major parties like the BJP, Congress, AAP, and regional parties often have detailed manifestos outlining their policies and plans. Reviewing these manifestos can provide insight into their vision for the country.
Manifestos are key documents that outline what each party stands for. For instance, the 2024 BJP manifesto highlights their achievements over the past 10 years and outlines plans for the next 5 years. In contrast, the Congress manifesto focuses on India's current problems and raises two key questions:
1. Is your life better today than it was in 2014?
2. Is your mind without fear, as envisioned by Rabindranath Tagore?
Comparing manifestos can help you understand which party aligns with your priorities.
On to candidate profiles. Websites like MyNeta.info offer detailed profiles of candidates, including their educational background, criminal records, and financial assets.
For example, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, around 43% of the newly elected MPs had criminal charges against them, highlighting the importance of carefully checking candidates’ backgrounds. Other ways are looking at media coverage which is not biased, and watching public debates and interviews.
The next step is Evaluating Track Records.
A candidate’s past performance is often a reliable indicator of their future actions. For incumbents, or ministers who have already been elected, examine their legislative records and constituency development efforts.
Legislative Performance: Check attendance records and participation in debates. MPs like Shashi Tharoor and Smriti Irani are noted for their active participation in parliamentary debates, reflecting their engagement with legislative duties.
Constituency Development: Look at the developmental projects they have undertaken. For instance, the MPLAD scheme allows MPs to recommend developmental works in their constituencies. If candidates have used these funds effectively, they might be proactive and good to vote for.
The next step is Assessing Character and Integrity.
Character and integrity are vital qualities in a leader. In India, corruption remains a significant issue, and the public's trust in politicians can be shaky. To check the character we must look into their public statement and actions. Consistency between what candidates say and do is crucial. Be wary of candidates involved in significant scandals. Websites like Alt News and Boom Live provide fact-checking services that can help you verify the truthfulness of a candidate’s claims and uncover any history of corruption or misconduct.
You can participate in local rallies, meetings etc. Talking with your friends and family can also provide you with their views and ideas. Social media platforms can also help you in making any decisions.
For voting a deserving candidate to power, we should also analyse the promises they make.
For example, promises of doubling farmers' incomes, like those made by several parties, should be examined in the context of current agricultural policies and economic conditions. Experts can provide insights into how achievable these goals are.
The final call is making our decision.
When asked about democracy and voting, voter Jagdish Vasudev emphasized that democracy relies on individuals making their own informed decisions. He believes it's each person's responsibility to assess the government's performance over the past five years and decide whether to give them a second chance.
As he said, 'think about your life - have acche din come to your life or not and then vote. It does not matter if you're right or wrong. It matters that you're thinking about your nation'.
Choosing your vote in India demands your thought and involvement. By thoroughly researching and evaluating your options, you wield the power to shape the nation's future and uphold democracy. Your vote is your voice—make it resonate.
Written by Pratiksha Pawar
Very well written!