The difference between democracy and other forms of government is the process of elections. We cast vote to elect representatives who are to run city, state or country as the case may be.
If we do not vote then we have no right to question the wrong doings later. In fact voting must be made compulsory because higher the voting percentage, better is the reflection of the people on the choice of candidates elected. Now the option of NOTA is also there which can be used if you think that according to you, no candidate is suitable. It is important for this message to go also.
In India, 10-15 years ago, elections used to be holiday time as mostly affluent people would go on short holidays. Casting a vote also was not a comfortable process. You had to stand in queue in sweltering heat for hours if it was summer. Turnout in those days used to be 30-40% only.
Now with advancement in technology, voting process is fast and easy. Voter turnout is increasing and is averaging 60-65% or more depending upon the elections.
Presently, national elections, state elections, municipal elections, all happen at seperate times. At any given time some election is going on somewhere. Every 3-4 months some state elections are due. All this leads to waste of public money. Maybe a day will come when all elections are conducted on a single day and elected representives will then focus on work they are supposed to do instead of focusing on elections.
Maybe someday voter turnout will be 100% and then political parties will work for nation instead of appeasing sections of society or communities that vote the most. Maybe then we will see educated people coming into politics.
To make it happen, till then, let us continue casting our votes, let us continue celebrating the festival of democracy. Cheers!
Well said !!