'I didn't vote'; Concerning case of Kerala's youth

The future of Indian democracy looks optimistic and the voting exercise across the country is lauded even by Western superpowers. But lately, there has been a worrying trend in the elections pattern across India; the plummeting number of youth participation. The statistics related to this, released by the State Election Officer in Thiruvananthapuram last day, are of concern to all democratic believers.

It is reported that 70 per cent of youngsters, well past their voting age, are yet to add their names to the voters' list. In Kerala, about 10 lakh people are between the ages of 18 and 19. As per reports from the last elections, only 2.98 lakh people from them have come forward to add their names to the voter list! Minding these numbers, it should be discerned that almost seven lakh youngsters in the state possess an indifferent attitude to voting. The right to vote is a constitutional right of every adult citizen.

Democracy is meaningful only when it is used properly. Elections in the country are also the primary platform for ensuring the participation of people of all ages, including the youth. 8 per cent of voters in the state are between 30 and 60 years of age. Only 1.07 per cent are between the ages of 18 and 19. From this, the youngsters show no interest in the elections but are more focused on navigating their lives to a world of riches. This reluctance of the youth towards elections will have a detrimental effect on various sectors of nation-building.

Youngsters' participation in development issues is pertinent for a country’s road to success. However, in Kerala, the trend is on the reverse and the youngsters are busily equipped with their leisures. 'I have my own thing; "Let the politicians look after the affairs of the country"; this aptly embodies the attitude among youths today.

This is not completely downplaying the big contributions of youth to the country in the recent past. But, when it comes to elections, the youths wriggle out of responsibilities. There is one thing that can be understood if you look at the polls in the recent general elections. Constituencies with the highest number of bureaucrats and educated people lag far behind in voting percentage! Not just youth, but other voters are also slowly losing interest in elections.

The many evils that plague politics make the common voter stay away from it. Various types of governance failures including growing corruption and nepotism are the concerns of every citizen. If those who win elections cannot see the nation as one and share the benefits of development impartially, the common people will continue to be alienated from democratic systems. It is the local politicians who are inspiring more youths to join politics. The big leaders might have to do some work to attract youths to join the biggest festival of democracy. The current governance that reeks of nepotism, corruption and hooliganism, disgusts youth. It needs to be cleaned.