Stop the dithering and encourage green elections in India
- Amidst the climate crisis, shifting to sustainable practices across every sphere of human activity has become inevitable and urgent.
- The conduct of elections, with its significant environmental footprint, presents an opportunity for India to prioritize environmental stewardship alongside civic participation.
Environmental Impact of Traditional Elections
- In August 2023, the ECI voiced its concern over the environmental risks associated with the use of non-biodegradable materials in elections.
- It has been urging parties and candidates to avoid the use of plastic/polythene for preparation of election material during an election campaign, since 1999.
- Traditional election methods contribute significantly to carbon emissions and environmental degradation.
- They rely on paper-based materials, energy-intensive rallies, loudspeakers, PVC flex banners and disposable items.
- The magnitude of India's elections, with mass political rallies and millions of voters, exacerbates this impact, affecting citizens' health and the environment.
- The concept of green elections entails adopting eco-friendly practices at every stage, from campaign materials to election rallies and polling booths.
Important Data
- According to a study conducted by Willemson and Krips from Estonia in 2023
- Transportation of voters and logistics to and from the polling booths emerges as the main contributor to carbon emissions during elections.
- Carbon footprint generated by the operation of the polling booths is the secondary source of carbon emissions.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Implementing environmentally-friendly elections entails technological, financial, and behavioural challenges.
- These include infrastructure requirements, voter access to new technologies, costs for eco-friendly materials and technology, and cultural inertia.
- Therefore, ensuring transparency and effective auditing of new adaptations are crucial.
- Successful examples from Kerala, Sri Lanka, and Estonia provide valuable lessons, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of eco-friendly electoral practices.
- Digital voting systems, accompanied by robust security measures, offer a potential solution to reduce carbon emissions by up to 40%.
A Blueprint for Green Elections
- This green transition must involve all stakeholders such as political parties, Election Commissions, governments, voters, the media and civil society.
- Political parties must take the lead by enacting legislation mandating eco-friendly electoral practices and incorporating them into the Model Code of Conduct.
- This involves campaigning through digital platforms or door-to-door campaigning and encouraging the use of public transportation for election work.
- The ECI can promote digital voting while ensuring equal participation and trust in the electoral process through voter education and capacity building.
- Civil society and the media can play crucial roles in advocating for eco-conscious electoral practices and raising awareness about their environmental benefits.