Abraham Lincoln stated that “a vote is stronger than a ballot”. Do we as Indians actually believe in that perspective or do we just tend to ignore it?

The major concerns, every Indian has while voting for a party or a candidate are outlined below.

Can your single vote make a difference?

In every election in India, there are an unhealthy number of non-voting citizens. Most of these voters believe that their vote does not really change the fate of an election. However, your single vote and the vote of all like minded individuals like “you” can change the outcome of an election.

In the game of numbers, one person like “you” multiplies into thousands similar to you. All these similar “yous” affect the vote share of the winner and the loser of an election. An absolute majority may become a simple majority or perhaps even a minority.

Thus, your vote and votes from other electors like “you” if cast becomes pivotal in the development of our country in a broader spectrum. Remember when you vote, you are changing your life and that of your loved ones for the better since “you” as a voter has critically evaluated which candidate/party has the best agenda for your development. If you do not vote, you have no right to criticize the policies of your governing body since “you” have made no attempt to be a part of its formation.

In essence, your “SINGLE” vote would be seemingly successful in changing the political system governing you.

What if “you” find that the running candidates/parties are undeserving?

In every election, there are a few candidates in the foray. If you believe that a particular candidate is personally incompetent, you should vote for his/her rival.

Also, in an election along with the candidate's competence, the strength of a political party is tested. Personally, if you find that the all the candidates in your constituency are incompetent, “you” could vote for the party that appeals to “you” the most. After voting for the candidate due to his/her party's stature, later on if “you” find that he/she did not live up to your expectations, in the forthcoming elections “you” would vote for the rival party. This would make the political party rethink its process of choosing a candidate and hopefully it would field a more appealing candidate in the future. This brings accountability among political leaders and parties.

People sometimes argue that there are scenarios that all the candidates/parties are unworthy to be elected as people's representatives. Well, our constitution has provided a means out of this regrettably common situation. It is a modified Article 49-O. If we all as people decide that no party/candidate is worth a stay in political office, through an “amended” Article 49-O, we could be entitled to have a re- election. During this re-election, the parties/candidates would be forced to field better agendas, better solutions etc. so that they have a chance to represent us. Unfortunately, currently the Central Government has refused to amend the article.

In a way, “you” as an elector push the political parties and candidates to be liable for all kinds of projects that they initiated for your cause. In essence, “you” make political parties do what they generally tend to forget i.e being politically accountable.

So, we the People of India (yes people like “you”) should all pledge to vote during the forthcoming general/state elections and bring about a golden age for our country devoid of political bigotry, corruption and ineptness. An age that we can proudly say to the world; we the People of India through our democratic duty have brought about a remarkable change to India that is solely responsible for our esteemed nation surpassing all and becoming the shining glory of the world.