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Delhi: A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking compulsory voting in parliament and assembly elections. [Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay vs Union of India and Ors.]
According to the plea by BJP leader and Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, such a move will improve voter turnout, promote political participation, improve the quality of democracy and secure the right to vote.
The plea says that low voter turnout is a persistent problem in India, and that compulsory voting can help remedy this, particularly among marginalized communities.
“It ensures that every citizen has a voice and that the government is representative of the people’s wishes. When voter turnout is high, the government is more accountable to the people and is more likely to act in their best interests,” the plea states.
Further, it states that compulsory voting promotes political participation by making voting a civic duty.
“When voting is compulsory, people are more likely to take an interest in politics and become engaged in the democratic process,” it explains.
This, as per the plea, can help overcome voter apathy, a significant problem in India. It claims that compulsory voting can help restore faith in the democratic process and encourage people to become more involved in politics.
“Many people are disillusioned with the political system and feel that their votes do not count. Compulsory voting can help to restore faith in the democratic process and encourage people to become more involved in politics,” the PIL goes on to state.
Further, the plea has said that compulsory voting ensures that elected representatives are chosen by a larger and more representative group of people, which will enhance the legitimacy of the government as well as the quality of democracy.
Upadhyay in his plea has also said that countries like Australia, Belgium, and Brazil, who have implemented compulsory voting, have seen significant increases in voter turnout and improvements in the quality of democracy.
The PIL has sought a direction to the Central government and the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take steps to ensure compulsory voting in Parliament and assembly elections.
In the alternative, the plea has requested the Court to direct the ECI to use its plenary power under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution to increase voting percentage.
Alternatively, it has sought a direction to the Law Commission to prepare a report on compulsory voting.