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One citizen = One vote.
But does everyone’s vote in India hold the same weight?
Mathematically, it doesn’t.
Thread. (1/n)
But does everyone’s vote in India hold the same weight?
Mathematically, it doesn’t.
Thread. (1/n)
Lok Sabha constituencies vary greatly in size. The smallest constituency (Lakshadweep) has 49k odd voters, while the largest constituency (Malkajgiri) has nearly 32 lakh voters.
One can infer that a vote in Lakshadweep counts for a lot more than one in Malkajgiri. (2/n)
One can infer that a vote in Lakshadweep counts for a lot more than one in Malkajgiri. (2/n)
Who handles the delimitation of constituencies then? And how is this process put together?
The job of delimitation is assigned to a high power body. Such a body is known as Delimitation Commission or a Boundary Commission. (3/n)
The job of delimitation is assigned to a high power body. Such a body is known as Delimitation Commission or a Boundary Commission. (3/n)
In India, such Delimitation Commissions have been constituted 4 times – in 1952 under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952, in 1963 under Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, in 1973 under Delimitation Act, 1972 and in 2002 under Delimitation Act, 2002. (4/n)
The Delimitation Commission in India is a high power body whose orders have the force of law and cannot be called in question before any court. These orders come into force on a date to be specified by the President of India in this behalf. (5/n)
In Assembly constituencies in States, the story is similar. In Maharashtra for example the constituencies range from representing anywhere between 2 to 5.5 lakh people each.
This diversity in territorial makeup that elects representatives posses many questions. (6/n)
This diversity in territorial makeup that elects representatives posses many questions. (6/n)
Evolution of the democratic process is a question that requires continual attention. One solution, once and for all cannot serve us.
Demographic and territorial challenges to representation will require critical thought being put towards the current systems. (7/n)
Demographic and territorial challenges to representation will require critical thought being put towards the current systems. (7/n)
Are the interests of all our citizens being accurately represented, are they themselves being able to secure seats at the table to represent their interests, and is this something we can ensure in the democratic tradition?
If not, how can we change it? (8/n)
If not, how can we change it? (8/n)
If we want to move past the electoral math/vote bank politics currently dominant, start questioning the very system that pushes people into 1-dimensional identity groups.
The gaminification of the electoral process will only benefit those who use it to capture power. (9/n)
The gaminification of the electoral process will only benefit those who use it to capture power. (9/n)
The framework that governs us must be treated above all as a work in progress.
For us to progress as a society and as individuals, continual work must be put in by all stakeholders to improve this system as best as we can.
Democracies do not work until people do. (10/n)
For us to progress as a society and as individuals, continual work must be put in by all stakeholders to improve this system as best as we can.
Democracies do not work until people do. (10/n)
