Test: Voting Behavior - UPSC MCQ

The voting percentage in India increased from 58.21% in 2009 to 66.44% in 2014, showing a significant improvement in voter turnout.

In 2014, women's voter turnout was only 1.4% less as compared to men, indicating a narrowing gap in participation between genders.

Voting is important for several reasons, like empowering citizens, making the government more responsible and accountable, and determining the direction of change and development, but it is not directly related to job security.

The addition of the 'NOTA' (None of the Above) option allows voters to choose not to vote for any of the nominated candidates, thereby expressing their dissatisfaction with the available options.

SVEEP (Systematic Voter's Education and Electoral Participation) is a program aimed at educating voters and ensuring their effective participation in elections.

VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) machines were introduced to address concerns about transparency in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

Banning political parties is not a viable solution for improving the electoral system. Instead, decriminalizing elections, examining alternative methods like Proportional Representation System, and introducing electoral reforms to handle coalitions are some ways to enhance the system.

The political class and the Election Commission of India (ECI) need to work together to find ways and means to decriminalize the elections and prevent the entry of criminals into politics.

Abraham Lincoln's famous definition of democracy is that it is "the government of the people, by the people, and for the people," emphasizing the importance of citizen participation in the democratic process.

All stakeholders, including political parties, the Election Commission of India, and the media, need to take their responsibility seriously and work together to strengthen democratic institutions like the Electoral System in India.