After Phase 2, the Indian citizens have voted for in total of 1/3rd seats out of the total seats. Although there is awareness of elections among the people, still they are reluctant to cast a vote during elections. India has witnessed almost three-fold decline in percentage points of total voters. On 26th April Even in the constituencies where a three-cornered contest occurred, the polling percentage did not increase as anticipated.
Reasons behind decline in voting percentage
• Voter Apathy: One of the most significant reasons for declining voter turnout is their apathy. Many citizens feel disillusioned with the political process or believe that their vote won't make a difference. This apathy can be a result of lack of trust in political institutions, perceived inefficacy of voting, or feeling disconnected from the political system.
• Distrust in Political Institutions: Some citizens feel that the political parties are all corrupt and don’t work for the welfare of people. The makes them less inclined to participate in the electoral process. Scandals, political gridlock, and perceived elitism can contribute to this distrust.
• Barriers to Voting: Physical or administrative barriers can deter people from voting. These barriers might include long queues at polling stations, restrictive voter ID laws, limited access to polling stations (especially in rural or marginalized communities), or difficulty in registering to vote.
• Media Influence: Biased or sensationalized media coverage can shape public opinion and affect voter turnout. If media outlets prioritize certain candidates or issues over others, they may influence voter perceptions and turnout.
• Lack of Civic Education: Inadequate civic education can contribute to low voter turnout, as citizens may not fully understand the importance of voting or how the electoral process works. Without sufficient knowledge about candidates, policies, and the voting process, individuals may be less motivated to participate.
Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach involving education, political reform, community engagement, and efforts to rebuild trust in political institutions. Encouraging voter participation through initiatives such as voter registration drives, civics education programs, and efforts to make the voting process more accessible