As India, the world’s most populous democracy, gears up for the next general election, environmental considerations must be prioritised, paving the way for ‘green elections’.
Why India Needs a Green Election
- In August 2023, ahead of the Assembly elections in five States, the Election Commission of India (ECI) voiced its concern over the environmental risks associated with the use of non-biodegradable materials in elections
- It has been urging ‘parties and candidates to avoid the use of plastic/polythene for preparation of election material during an election campaign, since 1999
- Given that the conduct of every election results in an avoidable carbon footprint, there is a need for eco-friendly elections
What is a Green Election?
- A Green Election refers to an electoral process that prioritizes eco-conscious practices to minimize environmental impact.
- This includes reducing carbon footprints through measures such as using sustainable materials for campaign materials, adopting digital voting systems, promoting energy-efficient transportation, and minimizing waste generation
- A carbon footprint quantifies the influence of human activities on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from burning fossil fuels, typically measured in metric tons of CO2 emissions.
Environmental Impact of Traditional Elections
- In the 2016 US presidential elections, the emissions by campaign flights by just one of the candidates alone were equivalent to the carbon footprint of 500 Americans for a year.
- Traditional methods of conducting elections, with their reliance on paper-based materials, energy-intensive rallies, loudspeakers, PVC flex banners, hoardings and disposable items, cause a significant environmental footprint and impact citizens’ health.
- The magnitude of India’s elections, with crores of voters, and mass political rallies, amplify this impact.
- The primary source of carbon emissions during elections is from transportation of voters and logistics to and from the polling booths.
- The secondary source is from the running of the polling booths. Transitioning to digital voting systems could reduce the carbon footprint by up to 40%.
Challenges in Implementing Green Elections
- Electronic and digital voting require robust infrastructure (especially in rural areas) and checks for hacking and fraud.
- Ensuring that all voters have fair access to new technologies and the training of officials are another hurdle.
- Financial challenges include substantial upfront costs for eco-friendly materials and technology, which would deter governments that are financially constrained.
- Traditionally, voting has been associated with physical presence at polling booths. Overcoming cultural inertia and changing voter behavior is essential for successful modernization
Global & Local Examples of Green Election Initiatives
Kerala
- During the 2019 general election, the Kerala State Election Commission urged political parties to avoid single-use plastic materials while campaigning.
- Subsequently, the Kerala High Court imposed a ban on flex and non-biodegradable materials in electioneering. Wall graffiti and paper posters emerged as alternatives.
- Government bodies collaborated with the district administration in Thiruvananthapuram to ensure a green election.
Goa
- In 2022, the Goa State Biodiversity Board had eco-friendly election booths for the Assembly elections, using biodegradable materials crafted by local traditional artisans.
Sri Lanka
- In 2019, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party launched the world’s first carbon-sensitive environmentally friendly election campaign.
- It measured carbon emissions from vehicles and electricity used during political campaigns and compensated for the emissions by planting trees in each district through public participation.
- This offset the immediate carbon footprint of the campaign and drew awareness about the importance of forest cover.
Estonia
- Estonia laid the foundations for digital voting as an online voting alternative. This method also encouraged voter participation.
- The success of Estonia’s approach suggests that digital voting accompanied by robust security measures is both eco- and electorate-friendly.
What Can Be Done to Promote Green Elections in India?
- This green transition must involve all stakeholders such as political parties, Election Commissions, governments, voters, the media and civil society.
- Enacting legislation mandating eco-friendly electoral practices, with the ECI incorporating them in the Model Code of Conduct.
- Campaigning through digital platforms or door-to-door campaigning (reducing energy-intensive public rallies) and encouraging the use of public transportation for election work.
- Incentivising the replacement of plastic and paper-based materials with sustainable local alternatives for polling booths, such as natural fabrics, recycled paper and compostable plastics, will aid waste management and support local artisans.
- Push for digital voting and to ensure equal participation of all voters in the digital electoral process
- Emphasising the environmental impact of conventional election methods, turn the spotlight on innovative eco-friendly alternatives
Conclusion
India’s journey toward a green election is not just an environmental imperative but also a democratic evolution. By embracing sustainable practices now, the country can set a global example in conducting elections that are both eco-conscious and inclusive.
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