India has achieved a great name for itself as the biggest working democracy in the whole world. Sure, the Indian democracy is the biggest in the world with more than 500 million voters exercising their voting rights periodically. Moreover, democracy has been functional working but for a brief aberration in 1971, when the ‘national emergency’ was declared. Peaceful changes of governments have occurred on the power of ballot.
But is this what you really call a true democracy? A democracy that reflects the will of a true majority…. Does its true nature exist in all levels of political activity and organizations, in its representation and decisions? Unfortunately, the answer to that inevitable question would be a big no.
Crime and criminals are forming an unacceptably large part of our political scene. Corruption has become the major source of funds in politics and has been accepted as normal. Nepotism, hero-worship and sycophancy is what the bread and butter of politic stability is all about.
Conducting periodic elections cannot alone assure a real democracy. What we need is something more; something powerful enough to act and not be defied, to be looked up to as a symbol of enactment of our thoughts…. our voice.
The umpteen obstacles in the way of obtaining what we can claim truly as democracy are many; nevertheless they can be solved through meaningful debate within and across all political spectrum and governmental bodies.
What I propose to the reader is not a treasure chest of self acclaimed philosophy and novel ideas; they are to be humble, a mere collection of some of the choicest and best. As a country posed by equally trenomical problems as the evidently present gratifying solutions, a change in our system, even by the slightest measure must encompass the benefit of one and all of kind, and try to help elevate the standards of democracy by leaps and bounds.
For achieving such a balanced political system, we must make minds willing and tolerant enough to accept change as the only means for betterment. The first among such proposed changes could be to make sure that every political party is made to submit audited accounts on an annual basis. Also, the minimum qualifications criteria for contesting in various elections must indeed undergo revision. As a result, education, experience, service record and moral background should be the factors involved in making a candidate eligible for elections.
It is oft said by the various members of the political agenda is that meeting such requirements would strongly handicap the power of a common man to be a part of the system. However, the minimum requirements once set by the government would in turn encourage an entire change in the outlook of politics and encourage education and merit to be the foregoing factor of selection, ultimately driving enthusiasts from every small constituency to adhere to it. So, whether it is elementary education for candidature to Local bodies or graduation for candidature to the Parliament; such a change will indeed prove healthy in selecting a true and responsible leader. As an input, we may see good conduct and Social Service record to be the common criteria for selecting a worthy choice. But the true meaning of democracy must not end there but should be strengthened and immersed in grass root levels. To avoid what has become a shameful act of power in politics (namely corruption), election expenses by all political parties and candidates must be closely monitored. Also, any party or candidate spending more than the stipulated amount should be subject to disqualification. An important step towards the achievement of democracy is revolutionizing the concept of electoral voting, and that can only be possible by making sure every citizen is an active participant for voting. If not made compulsive, voting could indeed be encouraged, and such an encouragement could come in many innovative ways- from tax exemptions to eligibility for various government services. A very important step could be the introduction of electronic voting at all levels. Such a step would be critical in saving time and money which is unfortunately what that drains the economy at the time of electing representatives of a country of a billion.
But mere words never fulfill destiny, it is we alone who hold the power to drive forth: to make a change. And as each voice joins to become one in all and all in one, when the spirits and minds of men and women conjoin to seek what is needed and not desired; mankind will watch as change takes over to envelope the world in its fold. Then it shall not be an India to be its subject, the world shall witness a change leading them from darkness to light, and helping us reach that long forgotten path once contaminated with the venom of hatred, corruption and contempt. Then all that we shall see forward would be light.......
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