Green polling station set up in Meghalaya. Credits: https://pib.gov.in/
Charting a Greener Path: India’s Leap Towards Sustainable Elections
In a significant stride towards environmental sustainability, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a commendable step forward in promoting green practices during the assembly elections in Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana. The ECI’s call to action for political parties and candidates to embrace green practices is not just commendable but a necessary leap towards a sustainable future. But how exactly can we transform this vision into reality? Let’s dive into an interactive exploration of the ECI’s initiative, the global urgency for green elections, and the inspiring examples from Kerala, Goa, Sri Lanka, and Estonia.
Why Green Elections?
Imagine the amount of single-use plastic and non-biodegradable material typically used during election campaigns. Now, envision an election where all campaign materials are eco-friendly, rallies are carbon-neutral, and every voter leaves a minimal environmental footprint. That’s the transformative vision the ECI is championing. With the environmental stakes higher than ever, integrating sustainable practices into elections isn’t just beneficial; it’s imperative.
Learning from Global and Local Pioneers
The ECI’s advisory is not an isolated call. Around the world and within India, innovative steps towards green elections are setting the stage for a sustainable electoral revolution:
- Kerala’s Ban on Non-Biodegradable Campaign Materials: In the 2019 general election, Kerala took a bold step by urging political parties to avoid single-use plastics. The Kerala High Court’s subsequent ban on flex and non-biodegradable materials for electioneering pushed parties towards alternatives like wall graffiti and paper posters, showcasing an effective model for reducing election-related waste.
- Goa’s Eco-Friendly Election Booths: For the 2022 Assembly elections, Goa introduced election booths made from biodegradable materials, crafted by local artisans. This not only promoted sustainable practices but also supported local craftsmanship, adding a unique cultural dimension to the green election initiative.
- Sri Lanka’s Carbon-Sensitive Campaign: In 2019, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna party launched a groundbreaking carbon-sensitive campaign, measuring and compensating for carbon emissions from campaign activities. This initiative, involving public participation in tree planting, highlighted how electoral campaigns could be both environmentally responsible and community-driven.
- Estonia’s Digital Voting System: Estonia stands as a beacon for digital innovation in elections. By enabling online voting, Estonia significantly reduced the carbon footprint associated with traditional voting methods, demonstrating the potential of technology in fostering sustainable electoral processes without compromising security or participation.
Your Role in Green Elections
As we marvel at these examples, it’s essential to remember that the transition to green elections requires the collective effort of all stakeholders — political parties, election bodies, voters, and civil society. Here’s how you can contribute to making elections more environmentally friendly:
- Advocate for Sustainable Practices: Use your voice on social media and community gatherings to advocate for eco-friendly election materials and practices.
- Support Green Policies and Parties: Encourage and support political parties and candidates who prioritize environmental sustainability in their campaigns and policies.
- Educate and Engage: Educate your peers about the importance of green elections and engage in community initiatives aimed at reducing the electoral carbon footprint.
Towards a Greener Democracy
The ECI’s initiative towards green elections marks a crucial step in aligning India’s electoral process with global sustainability goals. By learning from pioneering examples and actively participating in the shift towards eco-friendly practices, we can ensure that our democracy not only voices the will of the people but also protects the planet for future generations. Let’s join hands in making the vision of green elections a reality, paving the way for a sustainable and vibrant democracy.