Green elections – Stop the dithering and encourage green elections in India

Source: The post on green elections has been created, based on the article “Stop the dithering and encourage green elections in India” published in “The Hindu” on 28th February 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Environment- conservation

News: The article discusses the need for environmentally friendly elections in India. It highlights the harmful environmental impact of traditional elections.

What is the carbon footprint of an election?

1. Significant Emissions from Campaign Flights: In the 2016 US presidential election, the carbon footprint from the campaign flights of just one candidate was equivalent to the annual emissions of 500 Americans.
2. Primary Sources of Emissions: According to a study, the main sources of carbon emissions during elections are transportation for voters and logistics to and from polling booths.
3. Impact of Traditional Election Practices: The use of non-biodegradable materials like PVC banners, loudspeakers, and disposable items in traditional election methods contributes substantially to the carbon footprint.
4. Effects of Large Scale Elections: In populous countries like India, the sheer scale of elections, involving crores of voters and mass rallies, significantly amplifies the environmental impact.

What are the challenges of conducting green elections?

Technological Challenges: Implementing digital voting systems requires robust infrastructure, and needs changes in behavior, especially in rural areas, and safeguards against hacking and fraud.

Financial Constraints: There are high upfront costs for eco-friendly materials and technology, which can be a barrier for financially constrained governments.

Access and Training: Ensuring that all voters have equal access to new technologies and adequately training election officials are significant hurdles.

What successful green election initiatives exist?

India

Kerala’s Initiative: During the 2019 general election, the Kerala State Election Commission encouraged political parties to avoid single-use plastics. The Kerala High Court also banned flex and non-biodegradable materials in electioneering.

Eco-Friendly Booths in Goa: In the 2022 Assembly elections, the Goa State Biodiversity Board created election booths using biodegradable materials crafted by local artisans.

Global

Sri Lanka’s Carbon-Sensitive Campaign: In 2019, Sri Lanka’s SLPP party conducted the world’s first carbon-sensitive environmentally friendly election campaign. They measured and compensated for carbon emissions from vehicles and electricity in political campaigns by planting trees.

Estonia’s Digital Voting: Estonia introduced digital voting, reducing the carbon emissions related to transportation to polling stations. This method also improved voter participation while being eco-friendly.

What should be done?

Legislation for Eco-Friendly Practices: Enact laws mandating environmentally friendly electoral practices, integrating them into the Model Code of Conduct.

Digital and Door-to-Door Campaigning: Shift to digital platforms for campaigning to reduce energy-intensive public rallies and encourage public transportation for election work.

Use of Sustainable Materials: Replace plastic and paper-based materials with sustainable alternatives like natural fabrics and recycled paper in polling booths.

Digital Voting Implementation: Adopt digital voting systems with robust security measures, as demonstrated successfully by Estonia.

Education and Equitable Access: Ensure all voters have access to digital technologies and provide necessary education and support.

Collaboration Among Stakeholders: Involve political parties, Election Commissions, governments, voters, media, and civil society in promoting and implementing green election initiatives.

Question for practice:

Discuss the impact of traditional election practices on carbon emissions and the challenges associated with conducting green elections.