Voting now a must in Gujarat local elections

[anil_rathee]

Finally Modi Did it... This is beginning and surely few more States will follow this and they should...
Himachal is already planning to implement such regulations...
I believe Indian government should bring such regulation at all levels.. and should also give an option for NONE OF THE ABOVE like Gujarat Govt is giving in local body elections...

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Gandhinagar, Dec 19 (IANS) Gujarat Saturday became the first state in India to make voting compulsory in all local body elections, with Chief Minister Narendra Modi calling it a 'move to strengthen democracy'.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Amid opposition from the Congress, the assembly passed the Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2009. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]It makes voting compulsory in elections to all seven municipal corporations, 159 municipalities, 26 district panchayats, 223 taluka panchayats and in 13,713 village panchayats of the state.
[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Piloting the bill, Urban Development Minister Nitin Patel said it was aimed at making democracy more representative and meaningful. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Terming the bill 'an epochal move', Modi said the educated and the intellectual class who often stay away from taking part in grassroots democracy would now have to do so. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]'It was shocking to see that the large mass of people who had collected to light candles in the aftermath of 26/11 attacks in Mumbai did not come out to vote with the same enthusiasm,' he said.
[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]'Our decision seeks to overturn such a situation to ensure that there is maximum participation of people in (elections).'[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]According to the new law, all registered voters in Gujarat will be required to vote. Those absent will be asked to submit a valid reason with proof within a month. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The bill empowers the election officer to declare people who do not vote as defaulter voters. They shall have an opportunity to present their case within a month. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Exemption will be granted on account of illness, absence from the country or state on polling day and for any other reason prescribed by the state. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Modi said he hoped that other states as well as the country as a whole would follow suit. He contended that making voting compulsory would go a long way in reducing corruption in the electoral process. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]'It has been a matter of concern for all of us and Gujarat has taken the initiative to show the way. With the voters going in large numbers to exercise their franchise, the role of black money is sure to be reduced and democracy will be the ultimate victor,' he added.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]'It is a matter of discipline. Should an individual not be apportioning half an hour just once in years to the state? Is that asking for too much?'[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Modi noted that 32 countries had made voting compulsory, leading to the voting percentages shooting up from 45 to over 90 percent.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]'How do you justify a situation wherein 50 percent vote and with a mere 26 percent, people rule for years while an overwhelming 70 percent remains unrepresented and without any say? The situation needs to be changed.'[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Congress legislature party leader Shaktisinh Gohil opposed the bill saying it was 'impractical' and 'designed with political motives'.[/FONT]

 

[nitindev]

Finally Modi Did it... This is beginning and surely few more States will follow this and they should...
Himachal is already planning to implement such regulations...
I believe Indian government should bring such regulation at all levels.. and should also give an option for NONE OF THE ABOVE like Gujarat Govt is giving in local body elections...

Surely it is a very positive move by Gujarat Govt but what are the repercussions of not complying with the orders?

 

[sukar]

Bad Move by Refugee M

Restrictions OR Compulsions in modern world
won't lead us forward.

 

[yudhvirmor]

Discipline can only lead as forward. It’s a duty of all citizens to participate in the democratic process. If they won't obey it, then it needs to be enforced.

I think it’s a very positive and path breaking approach by Modi. I really admire him as a leader. We don't want educated people to treat voting day as a holiday and don't exercise their voting rights.

We can't allow illiterate people keep on choosing leaders and then crib that we don't have quality politicians in the system..

 

[nareshchoudhary]

polling compulsary not a issue

Whether any government make polling compulsary or not i think it is not a matter.The issue should be

• whether any body has asked people of india what they want.?
• which system they love to represent?
• should our democracy be such that we cannot elect our primeminister or president?
• should above respectable person should be in hands of political parties?
• who is responsible for corruption in army?
• who is responsible for delay of ammuniation in army?
• whether people have no right to debar those people who are making money in name of INFLATION.?
• who is responsible for food inflation?
• who is behind sugar lobby?
• what is reason of having UPPER ASSEMBLY RAJAYA SABHA? if these people are not elected by govt .Is this is our democracy?
• DO you heard about threeg spectrum scam?
• do you heard about telgai?
• do you heard abt harshad mehta?

just few eample which came to my mind after reading your article

DO YOU KNOW WHT RAJYA SABHA STANDS FOR?

• BACK DOOR ENTRY FOR CORPORATES
• ALL MEMBERS ARE playing PUPPETS IN HANDS OF CORPORAES GIANTS
• WHAT THEY DO ?
• THEY SUPPORT ONLY THERE BOSSES WHO ARE WEALTHY CORPORATES
• make policies for corporates not for common man

NOW TELL ME IF YOU HAVE OPTION ,

TO CHOOSE FROM

1. DAWOOD IBRAHIM
2. OSAMA BIN LADEN
3. PRABHAKARAN

WHOM WOULD YOU CHOOSE .? just example
MAN .............POLITICS standard is decreasing day by day .losing its basic principles.

after allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
i am not supporting person who is not polling .let a person be free enough to decide wheter he finds suitable option or not.

BECASUE DEMOCRACY MEANS FREEDOM .DO NOT??????? yes

 

[nareshchoudhary]

respected sir

voting should be made comulsary but..............

is it top most thing which should be made compulsary

there are many things which needs to be compulsary which are as much important as voting

1. why should military training should not be made compulsary?
2. why our fundamental rights are being followed or treated in full respect which are given by constitution
3. For example i am free to move & get equal opportunity in jobs all over india
4. is this true. ? what is in maharashtra..

many others are following same path? whos ......responsible .....all politician of maharashtra
would you vote for them...
for one moment think independently..

i will not for choose elect them ......even not anyone in that case
5. constitution has provide all of us to be treated as same .then tell me is minister ,mla ,any public servent,judges are equal to us .....they get same treatment as us?




many more arguments but

i think all ideas should be given due respect. And govt should implement all basic fundamental duties it should be.

It should make an examlpe .....create good governence than you would not have to make such attempts of insecureness.why people not vote you is lazyness only issue............

good govt.....good people.....

 

[vicky84]

Benefits of voting compulsion:

Voting compulsion increases people interest in politics and government.

In terms of legitimacy, parliament elected by a compulsory vote more accurately reflects the will of electorate.

In terms of resources, candidates can concentrate their campaigning energies on issues rather than encouraging voters to attend a polling place and vote.

 

[ygulia]

I think that this bill will be in conflict with the rights granted under the constitution of the country.

 

[sidchhikara]

Finally Modi Did it... This is beginning and surely few more States will follow this and they should...
Himachal is already planning to implement such regulations...
I believe Indian government should bring such regulation at all levels.. and should also give an option for NONE OF THE ABOVE like Gujarat Govt is giving in local body elections...

I would very much like to use that option.
I would be wary of everything Modi does. He is a weirdo and Hitler wannabe.

 

[dahiyarules]

The fact that a large number of people abstain from polling is a sign that the world's largest democracy has failed. People don't have anymore faith left in the corrupt system.

People have other priorities than to take time off and vote for a system that give them nothing but further suffering. People prefer to do their own stuff on election day rather than go and vote for another Neta who is part of a mass-enrichment scheme for the elite few.

Some will say that the flaws of the system can be fixed by getting more people to particiapte in polls. I say to you guys that Democracy is a big sham. Those who make realistic promises will never win and those who promise the sky will continue to dominate the country because people prefer the sky over anything else. Such corrupt leaders never deliver on their promises because if they did, there will ne nothing left to promise during the next elections.

Finally, democracy looses its basic premise of freedom from autocracy when people are forced to particiapate in it. Its oxymoronic to say that people must be required to particiapte in elections.

Maybe people are voting for the "other candidate" by abstaining from elections altogether. What if someone does not like any candidate on the ballot? Why should anyone be forced to vote for someone he or she does not like?

When measures like this are passed by the Government, people get the message that they have no other choice but to support a massive corrupt failed system that they may have chosen to ignore so far.

 

[dahiyarules]

I was thinking why not make it a crime to not deliver on campaign promises. Politicians who fail to deliver on their promises should be severely punished, maybe including by death. How about lining up non-delivering politicians in front of firing squads.

Just trying to imagine to what extent Modi would work his sick mind.

 

[sidchhikara]

I was thinking why not make it a crime to not deliver on campaign promises. Politicians who fail to deliver on their promises should be severely punished, maybe including by death. How about lining up non-delivering politicians in front of firing squads.

Just trying to imagine to what extent Modi would work his sick mind.

Yeah ...lets take that up as a ballot initiative. I like that.

Also, here are some things that look like they are compulsary in Gujarat under Fuhrerbhai Modi:
Genocide, rape, state-corporate ties, ideological propaganda.
aaaaaaand ...they ban liquor in Gujarat.
This guy has severe bipolar disorder.

 

[kapdal]

The fact that a large number of people abstain from polling is a sign that the world's largest democracy has failed.

Is it? Incidentally, the world's greatest democracy has a lower voter turnout (in % terms) than the world's largest democracy as per the table in this link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voter_turnout

 

[nareshchoudhary]

democracy means freedom of expression

yes

you are right

there should me many other issues which are needed to be addressed like

• whether compulsary statement and ammendment in constitution regarding population control should be not be taken.
• it is our responsibility to control population ,irrespective of religious sentiment
• Is it not our responsibility to provide basic aminities to 40 crore people below poverty line who are not able to meet there basic needs . Is there is no need to control population and endeed harsh steps should not be taken.

 

[dahiyarules]

Is it? Incidentally, the world's greatest democracy has a lower voter turnout (in % terms) than the world's largest democracy as per the table in this link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voter_turnout

You are exercising your luxury to make that comparison. Your point is irrelevant to what I said above.

 

[kapdal]

You are exercising your luxury to make that comparison. Your point is irrelevant to what I said above.

I beg to differ. Voter apathy is not a sign of failure of democracy, which is the ONLY point I was making above. It is not unusual to find exaggerated views on India being a "failed democracy". I don't agree with those views (Painfully slow and inefficient- yes, but failed- no. Pakistan is an example of failed), but would call it arguable nevertheless. However, "voter apathy" is not a symptom of failed democracy. Voters can be apathetic in the most successful and functioning democracies.

 

[sunillathwal]

I beg to differ. Voter apathy is not a sign of failure of democracy, which is the ONLY point I was making above. It is not unusual to find exaggerated views on India being a "failed democracy". I don't agree with those views (Painfully slow and inefficient- yes, but failed- no. Pakistan is an example of failed), but would call it arguable nevertheless. However, "voter apathy" is not a symptom of failed democracy. Voters can be apathetic in the most successful and functioning democracies.

Totally Agreed.....

 

[dahiyarules]

I beg to differ. Voter apathy is not a sign of failure of democracy, which is the ONLY point I was making above. It is not unusual to find exaggerated views on India being a "failed democracy". I don't agree with those views (Painfully slow and inefficient- yes, but failed- no. Pakistan is an example of failed), but would call it arguable nevertheless. However, "voter apathy" is not a symptom of failed democracy. Voters can be apathetic in the most successful and functioning democracies.

Well, United States of America is a Republic and not a Democracy. We hold Democratic elections to elect our officials. So, comparing America and India would be like comparing Apples and Oranges.

Besides we have our own problems with the current form of Government. Our Republican form of government where power is decentralized, to some degree helps us fixing our problems at local levels.

 

[kapdal]

Well, United States of America is a Republic and not a Democracy. We hold Democratic elections to elect our officials. So, comparing America and India would be like comparing Apples and Oranges.

Besides we have our own problems with the current form of Government. Our Republican form of government where power is decentralized, to some degree helps us fixing our problems at local levels.

Yeah, I think we need some elementary lessons in civics here. Democracy and Republic are not opposites of each other. Republic is a form of govt. where a monarch is not the head of the state. Both India and the US are republics. Our preamble states that India is a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic". UK, on the other hand, is a constitutional monarchy, though still a democracy. The form of govt. where power is decentralized between center and states is called federalism and not republic. The US has a proper federal structure, while India is only quasi-federal.

And finally, all of the above is besides the point really, which was about voter apathy vis-a-vis failed democracy, and not about comparing Indian and US form of govts.

 

[brahmtewatia]

And finally, all of the above is besides the point really, which was about voter apathy vis-a-vis failed democracy, and not about comparing Indian and US form of govts.

i was also wondering as to how this comparison popped up. you see whenever i see the name of US of A appears on JL... मेरे कान खड़े हो जाते हैं... had to go back in reverse order to check all the posts on this thread.

excellent, proactive move by modi... तालियाँ !!!

if we can infuse a bit of discipline in our democratic set-up, i'm sure its going to go a long way. millions of votes in india are either not cast or sold in return for rice, wheat, alcohol, tv etc. democracy in india is like a 'topsoil' beneath which, india remains to be dominated by loyalties to caste, religion and region. we must find ways and means to empower voters with information about their candidates, constituencies and political parties with objective is to encourage citizens to actively participate in the democratic process, as well as promote transparency and accountability in politics. any good public policy ultimately originates from a better understanding of the processes that shape democratic politics and influence governance... this indeed is wishuful thinking, which might never see the dawn of daylight.

more such disciplines have to be implemented in our democratic set-up, like... straight away rejection of candidates having criminal records, setting-up some educational standards for the candidates... candidates not to have more then 2 children etc... the list can go on.

p.s. : वैसे होना हाना कुछ नहीं है, दिस इस जस्ट ऍन आइवाश.