Does Compulsory voting makes Indian Democracy more inclusive. Comment.

[PUB AD- Answer writing]

http://www.prsindia.org/theprsblog/?p=3370

[Follet]

The weaknesses in representative democracy, lack of participatory avenues and developing pro democratic political attitude, compulsory voting is seen as a panacea. The recent CV introduced in GUJRAT is appreciated on following grounds.

1. With less than 60% voter turn out in 2014 general election with similar trends at state levels too, the whole notion of legitimacy of democratic governance is at stake. 

2. It is argued by Atul kohli that it is not the tyranny of king that matters but voter's apathy. The indifference towards politics of the country require a pro active governance where citizen participation is ensured through institutional means. 

3.In countries like, Australia the voter turn out has increased by 90% once the compulsory voting was brought in practice.  This has not only deepened values but also improved efficiency of governance into the country.

However, reading of Article -19(1) sees right to not to vote as an another form of expression against the state. Moreover, democratic credentials of liberty are challenged if citizen is forced and not persuaded to vote .  Inter alia, Election commission has criticized CV on the grounds that it is practically impossible to implement it in spirit due to dearth of manpower and resources.

In recent times , there is an increase in political awareness of the people in the country. The civil society activism, judicial review and mechanisms such as RTI, Citizen charter is catalyzing the penetration of democracy further. 

Thus, in this scenario, government should aim for voluntary participation  than use of coercion. The collaboration should too be principled, informed, issue based and constructive in this process which is only possible if citizen participation is secured voluntarily.  

[Anupam Boro]

compulsory voting increases random voter that may go against some candidate.as random voter will not care whom to vote.(given the political unawareness of masses)
what about sanction against nonvoters even after compulsory voting.
On Wednesday, October 7, 2015 at 10:42:20 AM UTC+5:30, PUB AD- Answer writing wrote:

http://www.prsindia.org/theprsblog/?p=3370