The move of the Government of Gujarat to enforce compulsory voting through Gujarat Local Authorities Laws (Amendment) Bill has commenced discussion on the law’s constitutionality, rationality and feasibility. Legal experts, lawmakers and analysts are expressing their views thereon across the country. Some of them have fiercely criticised the law and opposed it. Former Governor of Gujarat Kamla Beniwal had refused to sign the Bill, saying it violates “individual liberty”. While Election Commissioner H S Brahma questioned the law.“Let me ask you, what if we have a similar law at the Centre, and out of 83 crore-plus voters, 10 per cent choose not to vote? Will you put eight crore voters in jail or impose fines on them? Do we have jails to accommodate eight crore voters?” Brahma asked.
Let’s know what the law says about its objectives and aims and analyse its practicality. The law came out in reaction of low turnout of voters in elections. The Government of Gujarat is too conscious about legitimacy of candidates. But the question is whether the government ever tried to know the causes of low turnout of voters? Why do citizens choose to avoid exercising their right to franchise? Why aren’t they interested in electing their politicians? The government must find out answers to these questions before enforcing any law?
If one reviews the policy and functioning of the government, he will get answers to these questions. The real thing is that people have no more trust on and expectations from politicians. They stand tired of noting unfulfilled promises of political parties and leaders. They are aware of what happens later when one gets elected. How can people take interest in electing one who has nothing to do for him? On the one side, the government is doing nothing for the welfare of common man, and on the other, it is forcing them to vote. How ridiculous!
It is also said that casting vote is the duty of every citizen. But, it is wrong. Casting vote is the right not duty of everyone. It is up to choice of one whether he enjoys his right or not. No one can compel him. The most we can say is that it is the moral duty of every citizen. Fulfilling moral duty also depends on one’s choice. Law is not required for it. If we formulate a law to enforce it, it will be called moral policing. One may ask the government why it wants to do everything with enforcement of law. Is it a democratic government or dictatorship? Why doesn’t it wake up the conscience of people through education? Why doesn’t it attract the interest and attention of the common man by fulfilling its promises? The need of the hour is good and welfare-oriented governance rather than formulating unnecessary laws.