“Green Elections” Campaign in India

“Green Elections” Campaign in India

GS-2,3: Polity and Environmental Protection

(IAS/UPPCS)

 

03/04/2024

Source: Indian Express

 

Context:

Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has emphasized on green elections to control the environmental hazards associated with the use of non-biodegradable materials in elections.

  • It is noteworthy that since 1999, the Election Commission has been suggesting political parties and candidates not to use plastic/polyethylene for election materials during election campaigns.

Reasons for need of green elections:

Problem of Environmental Carbon Footprint:

  • Emissions from transport vehicles and campaign flights across the country during election campaigns and processes contribute significantly to the overall carbon footprint.
  • For example, in the 2016 US presidential election, emissions from just one candidate's campaign flights were equal to the annual carbon footprint of 500 Americans.

Problem of deforestation:

  • Over-reliance on paper-based materials for ballot papers, campaign literature and administrative documents leads to deforestation i.e. excessive loss of forests and disrupts the bio-energy production process.

Noise pollution and energy expenditure:

  • Large scale election rallies with loudspeakers, lighting and other energy consuming equipment contribute to energy consumption and emissions.

Problem of Waste Generation:

  • Excessive use of PVC flex banners, hoardings and disposables during election campaigns increases the impact of waste generation in the environment.

Concept of Green Election:

  • Green elections is an environment-friendly campaign to sensitize political parties, candidates and voters to use biodegradable materials during election campaigns so as to reduce the impact of carbon emissions in the environment.

Objective:

  • Reducing environmental impact during election campaigns
  • Using recycled materials,
  • Promote electronic voting and encourage candidates to adopt sustainable campaign practices.

Significance:

  • This can help prevent deforestation.
  • Banners and hoardings made from biodegradable materials can be promoted
  • The problem of carbon footprint can be controlled.
  • Opting for energy-efficient lighting, sound systems and transportation during rallies can help reduce the carbon footprint.
  • This can promote digital campaigns as leveraging digital platforms (websites, social media and emails) for promotion reduces paper use and energy consumption.

Major green election campaigns launched:

Green campaign in Kerala:

  • During the 2019 general elections, the Kerala State Election Commission launched a campaign asking political parties to avoid single-use plastic materials in election campaigns.
  • Considering the environmental impacts of this campaign, the Kerala High Court had banned flex and non-biodegradable materials in the election campaign.
  • During this campaign in Kerala, wall murals and paper posters emerged, promoting a more sustainable approach. Additionally, government bodies collaborated with the district administration in Thiruvananthapuram to ensure green elections with emphasis on environment-friendly practices.
  • Under this campaign, election workers were given training in villages to increase awareness and promote environmentally conscious behaviour.

Eco-Friendly Booths in Goa:

  • In the year 2022, the Goa State Biodiversity Board started introducing eco-friendly election booths during the assembly elections.
  • These booths were constructed by local traditional artisans of Sattari and Ponda using carefully crafted biodegradable materials.
  • These materials are not only eco-friendly, but they also support local artisans.

Sri Lanka's carbon-sensitive campaign

  • In 2019, Sri Lanka's Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party launched the world's first carbon-sensitive eco-friendly election campaign.

Estonia's digital voting revolution

  • Estonia experimented with digital voting as an alternative to the traditional paper-based method.
  • This approach encouraged voter participation while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Major obstacles/challenges in adopting green elections:

Lack of training and technology:

  • Challenge of access to new technologies and training of officials. Technical and adequate training is necessary to run this campaign.
  • Ensuring access and use of technology to all voters, including voters in remote or deprived areas, is a challenging task. It is important to eliminate disparities in internet connectivity and digital literacy.

Challenges related to financial and budget allocation:

  • Finance is a significant barrier to employing eco-friendly materials and advanced technology. Governments, especially those with limited budgets, may face challenges due to financial constraints.
  • Allocating funds to start essential services related to green operations can be a challenging task.

Cultural Inertia and Voter Behavior:

  • Traditionally, voting has been associated with physical presence at polling stations. Successful modernization requires overcoming cultural inertia and changing voter behavior.

Hacking related obstacles in EVM machine:

  • Electronic voting machines can be hacked, hence gaining voter trust is a big challenge. Public concerns about security, privacy and potential manipulation should be addressed through transparency and strong safeguards.

Security Challenges:

  • Introducing new approaches such as online voting or blockchain-based systems may raise concerns about vote security.

Cyber Security Risks:

  • Ensuring that voting systems are secure from cyber threats is paramount. Any compromise could undermine public trust and the integrity of elections.

Single-use plastics/non-biodegradable materials:

  • Single-use plastic is a disposable material that can be used only once before being thrown away or recycled, such as plastic bags, water bottles, soda bottles, straws, plastic plates, cups, most food packaging and coffee stirrers are sources of single-use plastic materials.

Way forward:

  • This green transition should involve all stakeholders like political parties, Election Commission, government, voters, media and civil society.
  • To promote green transition, it is essential to integrate top-level directives with grassroots-level initiatives.
  • Political parties should lead it. This journey can begin by enacting a law mandating eco-friendly electoral practices, with the Election Commission enshrining them in the model code of conduct.
  • This includes using digital platforms or door-to-door campaigning (reducing energy-intensive public rallies) and encouraging use of public transport for election work.
  • Encouraging replacement of plastic and paper-based materials for polling booths with sustainable local alternatives such as natural textiles, recycled paper and compostable plastics will help in waste management and support local artisans.
  • The Election Commission may emphasize digital voting, even if it requires training and capacity building of officials.
  • To ensure equal participation of all voters in the digital electoral process, the government should educate and support voters and ensure equal access to digital technology.

Conclusion:

This green election campaign inspired by the Election Commission is an important step for the restoration of healthy democracy and sustainable development. If the right and appropriate path is adopted to solve its challenges, then this campaign can prove to be favorable for both the environment and the voters in the digital voting era.

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Mains Question:

Discuss the concept of “Green Election” campaign in India and its importance.

Discuss the need for green elections in India and the way forward in addressing the major obstacles to its adoption.