May 5, 2009

Politicians performs dismal as electorates boycott the elections.

The long awaited span of the democratic exercise is about to end and with it, the fate of many leaders and wannabe’s are going to be sealed in the electronic gadgets (voting machines)- the only thing that prompts us to think that we have developed or grown as a democracy. Earlier we use to hammer out choices with an election commissions seal and now we push a button feeling proud to be called an electronic/ IT giant- ripped apart by the economic slowdown. The voter turnout in this highly humid and unbearably hot weather is far less than expected. It was believed that after the invasion of Mumbai by our neighbours, Mumbai will come out to lodge its protest against the systematic failure of the machinery. But it appears as if they have figure out the other way of protest by boycotting the elections. Leave alone the star studded newspapers and electronic media showing the celebrities, inking their forefinger finger, Mumbai performed much below expectations. With just 44% or a bit less it doesn’t mach up to the never dying spirit of this millennium city. What has happened to those holding candle light vigil during the aftermath of 26/11, is a matter of concern. The 3 passed phases showed lack of enthusiasm among the electorates and the remaining two is not going to offer any surprise as it seems. Is it the lost faith of people in democracy or is it the lost trust in politicians that is hampering the people’s belief? The answer seems to lie in the second part of the question. No matter how low the voting percentages heads none of the political parties nor are the politicians themselves eager to ponder over the issue as far as they have their traditionally copyright, age old agendas to feed the empty stomachs of the electorates. The flag bearers of our democracy must understand that, it’s not the voting that shapes the democracy, it’s the counting. And unfortunately, it’s not even satisfactory. The low voter turn out is not just limited to Mumbai but with the whole country. People don’t want to cast their vote despite many NGOs endeavoring to pull them out to the polling booths. If the data’s are to be believed each and every province performed below their contribution in the 2004 elections. Now this is definitely not the reason why we call ourselves a great democracy. The one who is seating on the heaves of money don’t want to come of their air-conditioned closet to beat the scorching sun-blazing and the poor is apprehensive as they feel cheated after every election at the hand of their representatives. So the biggest question we face today is, what these statesman, who approaches every question with an open mouth have to offer? Are they worth voting or the electorates justified boycotting the elections in their respective capacities? The electorates don’t know who to vote for as they don’t know why they should vote. They have choices but they don’t have the parameters to judge or may be no one fits to their parameters. They might have known the secret that all of the contenders are the same applying different face-packs. The dismal performances of the electorates have put all the speculations on hold. It awaits another genius and another election to get to the bottom of the issue. But what is out in the open is that this election has divided the electorates into two sections of pro and against voting and unfortunately the latter one is in larger number. This will result in close fights not among the candidates but among the electorates. Whoever wins the battle, the truth is that the candidates shared just about 50% of the total electorates and the non participants have out numbered the participants by a huge margin which ultimately is a defeat in itself.
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