Impact of Frequent Elections on India’s Democracy
India’s democracy is vibrant and participatory. Millions vote in elections celebrated as festivals of democracy. However, in 2025, concerns have grown about the effects of frequent elections on governance and development. The rising costs, disruptions, and social challenges linked to repeated polls raise questions about their overall impact.
Financial Burden of Frequent Elections
India’s elections are among the costliest worldwide. The recent Lok Sabha polls cost the Election Commission nearly ₹1.35 trillion. Including political parties’ spending on campaigns and advertisements, the total rises to ₹5-7 trillion over five years. For a developing country, this is a heavy financial strain. Funds spent on elections could otherwise support education, healthcare, rural infrastructure, or agriculture.
Developmental Disruptions Due to Model Code of Conduct
The Model Code of Conduct halts government projects during election periods. Infrastructure works like roads, power plants, and water supply schemes face delays or remain incomplete. Politicians often announce new schemes before elections, but many lose momentum afterward. These interruptions slow down India’s developmental progress.
Logistical Challenges and Service Disruptions
Conducting elections in India requires over 10 lakh polling stations and more than one crore officials. Teachers, health workers, and government staff are diverted to election duties. Schools lose teaching days and healthcare services suffer. Nearly 200 working days are lost every five years due to election responsibilities, affecting essential public services.
Environmental Impact of Election Campaigns
Election campaigns generate large amounts of non-biodegradable waste like posters and banners. Rallies use vehicles, helicopters, and planes, adding to carbon emissions. This pollution worsens climate change. Urban and rural areas face waste accumulation, showing the ecological cost of elections.
Social Polarisation and Democratic Challenges
Elections often focus on caste, religion, and language rather than policies. Frequent polls deepen social divides and weaken national unity. Instead of uniting citizens, elections sometimes increase fragmentation and threaten democratic ideals.
Youth Engagement and Democratic Awareness
Youth participation through debates, seminars, street plays, and youth parliaments raises awareness about election impacts. These platforms encourage young citizens to engage with governance and advocate reforms. Youth involvement strengthens democracy by promoting shared responsibility beyond politicians.
One Nation, One Election – A Reform Proposal
Synchronising Lok Sabha and state assembly elections could reduce costs and disruptions. It would minimise the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct and ensure continuous governance. Implementing this requires constitutional amendments but promises long-term savings and efficiency. This reform is seen as a viable solution to challenges posed by frequent elections.
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