Elections and Discussions

Elections and Discussions​

By: Amit Bhushan Date: 21st Nov. 2017

Political Netas have always focused on the mundane drama for they fear committing to issues. And they hope that their drama would pay off, since the other Netas would also be busy with either their own drama or reacting to the drama of the others. Sections in the commercial news media for this elections have struck to some issues rather than just a fine portrayal of the drama of the political Netas be that be the focus on the state of higher educational institutes or pollution in the National Capital Region. The focus on the crucial state might be missing though. This is while political Netas as well as the mandarins of religion and Good Living have done their best to rake up issues around Temple or while some sections of the commercial news media went gung ho about the caste leaders and the ‘huge influence they wield’. To be a bit fair to the political Netas, some of them did raise a question on falling production in the industry over Demonetization and Taxation without explaining their own position on at least the taxation part. Some also focused on the rising prices of the ‘pyaz/tamatar’ while the fate of farmer remaining the same or even worse. And on the Netas in government side, the Netas thumped their record on ‘ease of doing business’, ‘ratings’ et al. We also have the case of public healthcare institutions being dropped in hurry, probably because it was becoming a bit too hot to handle in the aftermath of the fate of children and newly borns. So all that can be said with some fairness is that gradually the economic reality is sinking amongst politicians however the yesteryear Netas and their trick book is not being discarded in a hurry by the Netas. And as a far as the commercial news media is concerned it is still to learn the art of telling the newer stories to its viewers otherwise which the same old recycled materials would continue to be used. Some in the media did explore the fate of move towards ‘cashless’ for the actions taken in the aftermath of demonetization though. Then we also have our very own 'Ghooghat Brigade' almost entirely sustained by the commercial news media and its players making much ado about 'nothing'.

There is not one party or the commercial news channel that would pick up the Manifesto or Sankalp patra to assess the performance of the government in an objective manner. Similarly, the fate of government led projects where huge expenditure of public monies have been made, may also be in need of an assessment in Elections. While the political Netas may frown upon such things since their own Pandora boxes might lie in open should they kick this off, however for the ‘independent commercial news media’ to follow the Netas rather the ‘public interest’, is something not quite understood. An objective assessment of the deliveries or performance would help set expectations of the people with the political netas. This would also help many of those who aspire to be political Netas as they would where the ‘opportunity’ lies, objective ways of assessing the same as well as measuring the deliveries/performance. The ‘big money’ is something not to be raked in elections by either any Neta or independent media professionals since no one would venture beyond what may be a maligned and demonized name and of course the cricket is too cleansed to be discussed now-a-days. The principles for tackling the menace is left to bureaucratic Machiavellianism for the public consumption.

What has gotten highlighted in the process is that if there isn’t adequate sizeable opportunities for the ordinary people, then the caste politics would continue to rear its head. What’s important is that it is now the numbers that count over the degree of backwardness of the communities and the silence of the Netas of really backward to voice their opinions on such floating proposals would ensure that such Netas may continue to get further marginalized in an increasingly competitive politics. Also the parties and Netas have given upon the ritual of manifestoes and taken on rhetoric-making, and this seems to be on naked display as even the so called senior journos in the commercial news media do not seem to be taking note of the absence of what could be a ‘final draft of agenda’ for serving the public. In fact the ‘Game’ would not mind to call them being part of the problem since the same journos have never bothered to hold the elected Netas accountable by making a rational assessment of the performance against such manifestos in a meaningful way prior to this or any elections and now are being pooh-poohed by the Netas as well as ‘social media’. Since it is the rhetoric deciding, naturally the social media makes for better platform than objective assessments where the commercial news media could have scored. So instead of blaming the social media, it is perhaps time for the commercial news media to correct its course for its impact continues to wane and even senior and old Netas (in government or in opposition) now don’t take them much seriously. Let’s see the ‘Game’ evolve futher…..

 

[Swaswati Borpuzari]

Elections and Discussions: The Cornerstones of Democratic Governance​

Introduction​

Elections and discussions are two fundamental pillars that uphold the integrity and functionality of democratic governance. These processes not only shape the political landscape but also reflect the collective will and intellect of a society. While elections provide a mechanism for citizens to choose their leaders, discussions foster a platform for the exchange of ideas, leading to informed decision-making and societal progress. This article delves into the significance, mechanics, and potential challenges of both elections and discussions in the context of modern democracies.

The Importance of Elections​

Elections are the primary mechanism by which citizens in a democratic society exercise their right to self-governance. They serve several crucial functions:

1. Representation: Elections ensure that the government represents the people’s interests and preferences. By casting their votes, citizens can elect leaders who they believe will advocate for their needs and values.
2. Accountability: Regular elections hold leaders accountable for their actions and policies. If a government fails to meet the expectations of its constituents, it can be voted out of office, serving as a powerful deterrent against corruption and inefficiency.
3. Legitimacy: Elections confer legitimacy on the government and its policies. A government that has been elected through a fair and transparent process is more likely to be respected and supported by its citizens.
4. Peaceful Transition of Power: Elections provide a structured and peaceful means for the transfer of power. This helps to prevent political instability and conflict, which can arise when power is contested outside of a democratic framework.

The Mechanics of Elections​

The process of conducting elections involves several key steps:

1. Voter Registration: Ensuring that all eligible citizens are registered to vote is crucial for the credibility of the election. This process helps to prevent fraud and ensures that only qualified individuals participate.
2. Campaigning: Candidates and political parties engage in campaigns to communicate their platforms and win the support of voters. This often involves public debates, rallies, and media appearances.
3. Voting: On election day, citizens cast their votes either in person or through other methods like mail-in ballots. The voting process must be secure, accessible, and transparent to maintain trust in the outcome.
4. Counting and Certification: After the voting is complete, ballots are counted, and the results are certified. This process must be conducted with meticulous care to ensure accuracy and prevent tampering.
5. Results and Transition: The winning candidates are announced, and a period of transition begins. In some cases, this may involve forming a new government or coalition, depending on the political system.

The Role of Discussions in Democracy​

Discussions are the lifeblood of a healthy democracy. They facilitate the free exchange of ideas, promote critical thinking, and encourage civic engagement. Here are some ways in which discussions contribute to democratic governance:

1. Informed Decision-Making: Through discussions, citizens can access a wide range of perspectives and information. This helps them make more informed choices about whom to support or which policies to endorse.
2. Policy Development: Constructive debates among policymakers, experts, and citizens can lead to the development of more effective and inclusive policies. This collaborative approach ensures that diverse voices are heard and considered.
3. Social Cohesion: Engaging in discussions can foster a sense of community and shared purpose. When citizens feel that their opinions matter, they are more likely to be invested in the success of their society.
4. Conflict Resolution: Democratic discussions provide a means for resolving conflicts and disagreements. By airing grievances and seeking compromise, societies can avoid the escalation of tensions and promote lasting peace.

Challenges and Considerations​

Despite their importance, elections and discussions face several challenges in the modern world:

1. Voter Suppression: Efforts to disenfranchise certain groups of voters can undermine the democratic process. This includes restrictions on voter registration, polling place closures, and other obstacles.
2. Misinformation and Disinformation: The spread of false or misleading information can distort public opinion and influence election outcomes. Social media platforms have become a significant vector for this problem, requiring robust measures to combat it.
3. Polarization: Extreme polarization can hinder productive discussions and lead to gridlock in governance. It is essential to promote a culture of open dialogue and mutual respect to overcome this challenge.
4. Economic Disparities: Economic inequality can affect the quality and outcomes of both elections and discussions. Wealthier individuals and groups may have disproportionate influence, which can skew the democratic process.
5. Technological Advancements: While technology can enhance the accessibility and transparency of elections and discussions, it also introduces new vulnerabilities, such as cyber threats and data privacy concerns.

Conclusion​

Elections and discussions are indispensable elements of a functioning democracy. They empower citizens, hold leaders accountable, and foster a culture of openness and collaboration. However, to fully realize their potential, it is crucial to address the challenges that can undermine their effectiveness. By promoting fair and accessible elections and encouraging constructive discussions, we can build a more resilient and responsive democratic system that serves the needs of all its citizens.

In the face of increasing global complexities, the commitment to these democratic principles is more important than ever. As we navigate the future, let us strive to strengthen our electoral processes and deepen our engagement in meaningful discussions to ensure that democracy continues to thrive and evolve.