Countdown has finally ended and the entire nation will now start basking in the most glorious moment of democracy by thronging booths to choose the occupiers of corridors of power. For Arunachal it will be a double delight since the assembly elections are also arranged simultaneously with the general one. The spirit of democracy is already oozing and successive reminders from Governor, the constitutional guardian of the state to be a part of the sacred ritual has added more grace to the atmosphere.
The history of participatory electoral voting through adult franchise has witnessed an unceasing flow since its maiden in 1951-52. Those were the days of infancy of a nation just beginning its democraticjourney when the expenditure limit of a candidate contesting a Lok Sabha constituency was Rs 7,000. Since then, the march of democracy has been unfaltering and baffling theorists of the subjects of social & political sciences many of whom expressed deep doubts about its continuity, it has not only survived but also flourished exponentially over the seven decades. And among many determinants that had contributed to its firm rooting are timely elections & voting, making this edition the 17th so far and 4th of the 21st century. Taking lessons from the previous terms, and addressing the grey areas successfully, the ECI as an apt orchestra conductor has masterminded the electioneering process with increasing flawlessness and elan. Despite quite a good illiteracy rate and even home addresses, voter turnout in the last 2014 elections had been 66%, higher than in many richer and developed countries. All these make the Indian elections unique and also the most spectacular socio-political event of the world.
Defying all odds and reaching out to the last voter has been the mantra for ECI and this time too we can find such exemplary efforts in abundance. Sincere efforts have been made to make it sure that the 57 odd voters of the distant Vedagam are not be deprived of their electoral rights.Air lifting of men & material for the remotest poll booths of the state is also complete. The news of elephants being deployed for carrying election paraphernalia have also captured the imagination of the pan Indian electorate.
Despite this unprecedented enthusiasm, apathy for exercising this sacred constitutional right do exists among a large section of voters who nurture a baseless pre-conceived notion that a single vote can hardly effect any change. They often forget that every vote counts and contributes to the overall cluster which do make differences.
This finest hour visits us only once in five years. And if voting is a right, it’s also a responsibility and honour which should not be forsaken for democracy’s sake.