Context

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently highlighted the environmental risks associated with traditional election materials, urging a transition to eco-friendly practices.
• As the world's most populous democracy, India must prioritise environmental considerations in its electoral processes.
• The government must look into overlooked environmental footprint of elections, successful eco-friendly electoral initiatives in Kerala, Sri Lanka, and Estonia, and a blueprint for a green transition involving various stakeholders.

The Need for a Paradigm Shift in Elections Conduct

• Overlooked Environmental Footprint of Elections
  • The emissions from campaign flights during the 2016 US presidential elections illustrate the significant carbon footprint associated with traditional election methods.
  • Traditional election practices, including paper-based materials, energy-intensive rallies, and disposable items, contribute to environmental degradation and impact citizens' health.
  • The sheer magnitude of India's elections worsens these issues, necessitating a paradigm shift towards green elections.
• Alarming Research Insights
  • A research from Estonia (2023) identifies transportation to and from polling booths as the primary source of carbon emissions during elections.
  • The secondary source is the operational footprint of polling booths.
  • Transitioning to digital voting systems could reduce the overall carbon footprint by up to 40%. 

Challenges and Potential Solutions in Implementing Eco-Friendly Elections

• Technological Challenges: Infrastructure Requirements and Security Concerns
  • The transition to digital voting systems necessitates a robust technological infrastructure, especially in rural and remote areas where connectivity might be limited.
  • Ensuring the security and integrity of digital voting systems is paramount.
  • Measures against hacking, fraud, and manipulation must be comprehensive to maintain public trust in the electoral process.
• Financial Challenges: Upfront Costs and Budget Allocation
  • The adoption of eco-friendly materials and technology incurs substantial upfront costs.
  • Governments facing financial constraints may be hesitant to invest in these initiatives despite the long-term environmental benefits.
  • Elections already demand significant financial resources and allocating additional funds for environmentally friendly practices may compete with other essential priorities.
• Behavioural Challenges: Cultural Change and Public Scepticism
  • There exists a cultural significance in valuing the physical presence of voters at polling booths as a fundamental aspect of the democratic process.
  • Convincing voters of the efficacy and security of digital methods may face resistance.
  • Public scepticism towards new approaches, fuelled by concerns about potential compromises to vote security, poses a significant challenge.
  • Building trust in the reliability and transparency of new technologies is essential.
• Transparency and Auditing
  • The shift towards eco-friendly and digital methods should be accompanied by transparent practices.
  • Establishing mechanisms for the effective auditing of new adaptations is crucial to address concerns about accountability and fairness.
  • Creating awareness among the public about the transparency and auditability of new electoral practices is essential for overcoming scepticism and building confidence in the electoral system.
• Logistical Challenges
  • Implementing large-scale changes in electoral practices requires meticulous planning and coordination.
  • From the procurement of eco-friendly materials to the training of officials, the logistical challenges should be addressed systematically.

The Successful Models of Eco-Friendly Electoral Initiatives

• Kerala and Goa Model
  • 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 and wall graffiti and paper posters emerged as alternatives.
  • Government bodies collaborated with the district administration in Thiruvananthapuram to ensure a green election and training sessions were conducted in villages for election workers.
  • In 2022, the Goa State Biodiversity Board had eco-friendly election booths for the Assembly elections, using biodegradable materials crafted by local traditional artisans.
• The Sri Lanka Model
  • 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.
• Estonian Example
  • 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.

A Blueprint for Green Elections

• Political Initiatives and Digital Campaign Platforms
  • Political parties must take the lead by enacting legislation that mandates eco-friendly electoral practices.
  • This involves incorporating such practices into the Model Code of Conduct, outlining the rules governing election campaigns.
  • Encouraging political campaigns to utilise digital platforms for outreach or engage in door-to-door campaigning can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with energy-intensive public rallies.
• Incentives for Sustainable Materials and Infrastructure Support
  • Providing incentives for political parties to replace plastic and paper-based materials with sustainable alternatives(natural fabrics, recycled paper,etc) for election-related activities, to supportwaste management and local artisans.
  • Governments can invest in the necessary infrastructure for digital voting, particularly in rural areas.
  • This includes ensuring reliable internet connectivity and accessible digital devices for all voters.
• ECI’s Role with Government Support
  • The Election Commission of India can play a pivotal role by advocating for digital voting systems.
  • This includes promoting the environmental benefits of digital voting and addressing security concerns through comprehensive measures.
• Public Awareness Campaigns
  • Civil society organisations can spearhead public awareness campaigns highlighting the environmental impact of conventional election methods and championing eco-friendly alternatives.
  • This creates a groundswell of support for green electoral practices.
  • Civil society can actively monitor the implementation of eco-friendly initiatives and advocate for transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
• Media's Role
  • Media organisations can play a crucial role in emphasising the environmental impact of traditional election methods.
  • Through investigative reporting and highlighting successful green initiatives, the media can encourage a broader understanding of the necessity for change.
• Global Collaboration
  • Establishing collaborations with countries that have successfully implemented eco-friendly elections, such as Sri Lanka and Estonia, can provide valuable insights and support.
  • Creating platforms for sharing best practices on eco-friendly electoral initiatives at the international level fosters a global commitment to sustainability in democratic processes.

Conclusion

• Embracing eco-conscious electoral practices is not just a necessity for India but an opportunity to set an example for democracies worldwide.
• By integrating top-level directives with grassroots initiatives, involving political parties, Election Commissions, governments, voters, the media, and civil society, India can pave the way for green elections.
• It will also align environmental stewardship with civic participation and democracy's fundamental principles.