The final turnout in the 2024 general election (66.2%) serves as a clear indication of the continued interest in, engagement with, and participation of the Indian voter in India’s democratic processes. This has effectively silenced the initial speculation about disenchantment among the Indian electorate, fueled by the initial lower turnout figures. While the turnout in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections was only 1% lower than the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, it still stands as the third highest turnout in Indian national election history. Voter turnout remains the most robust indicator of voter’s electoral participation, and the figures for 2024 highlight a high level of engagement, particularly among women voters. Despite challenges posed by the election schedule and its extended duration, voters bravely battled the heat, adjusted their schedules, and enthusiastically participated in the general election. The enthusiasm surrounding the 2024 election continued even after voting concluded, with keen interest in the exit poll predictions. The lively debates among Indians regarding the exit polls on the evening of June 1, 2024, serve as a testament to this engagement. The actual results, contrary to the exit poll estimates, fueled continued discussion about the verdict and its ramifications, further highlighting the intense and sustained engagement of Indians with the electoral process. Despite anxieties surrounding the reliability of the electronic voting machines (EVMs), increasing defections from one party to another, the diminishing role of ideology in elections, and the perceived quality of representatives elected to Parliament, there is no indication of any disenchantment with elections and the electoral process itself. A Lokniti-Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) survey revealed that 17% of Indians expressed no trust in EVMs, while 43% indicated some degree of trust. A significant 30% of Indians also mentioned a decrease in their trust in EVMs. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party but fell short of a majority, leading to the formation of a government with its allies. Clearly, the ruling BJP enjoys the support of a significant number of people, but the plurality of opinions among Indians necessitates careful consideration by the new government. Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to hold a far more prominent position compared to any other leader, with a popularity rating of 41% compared to the Congress’s Rahul Gandhi at 27%. However, the Lokniti-CSDS survey revealed that 28% of Indians indicated that Mr. Modi’s image has been significantly dented, while another 33% mentioned a lesser degree of damage to his image due to the BJP’s induction of leaders from various political parties, a move that has potentially tainted his public image. The findings of the Lokniti-CSDS survey also highlight a growing anxiety regarding the nature of vindictive politics that has emerged in recent years. The survey revealed that 44% of respondents believe that Opposition leaders have been arrested for political reasons, while only 23% refuted this view. Furthermore, 67% of Indians expressed the view that citizens should have the right to question their elected leaders, with only 20% disagreeing with this opinion. Importantly, 58% of Indians believed that a change in government is crucial for national development, while 32% maintained that the continuity of the same party in government was more beneficial for progress. The significance of courts/the judiciary cannot be overlooked, as the Lokniti-CSDS survey indicated that 58% of Indians highlighted the importance of courts in checking the powers of the government, while only 27% believed this was unnecessary. There was a strong consensus (66%) that citizens should have the power to oppose government decisions when necessary, with only 19% holding a dissenting view. The outcome of the 2024 election has also indicated the importance of national pride, national identity, and national security. However, equally crucial are the day-to-day issues faced by the people, such as unemployment and price rise, which no political party can afford to ignore for an extended period. The Lokniti-CSDS survey findings revealed that unemployment and price rise were the primary factors contributing to discontent with the Modi government, with a significant number expressing their desire for a change in leadership. While the BJP emerged as the single largest party, it experienced a significant setback in Uttar Pradesh, a state where the Ram Mandir was built and inaugurated with great fanfare. This development suggests that the BJP erred in prioritizing Hindutva at the expense of addressing the people’s bread and butter issues. The BJP candidate’s defeat in the Faizabad constituency (Ayodhya) further reinforces this point. The 2024 verdict has demonstrated the limitations of identity politics, be it based on caste or religion. In a functioning democracy, the existence of a strong Opposition alongside a stable and robust government is essential. The outcome of the 2024 election reflects the true essence of an ideal democracy. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) holds a majority in the Lok Sabha with 293 seats, with the BJP being the single largest party with 240 seats. The INDIA bloc/alliance has a strength of 234 MPs in the Lok Sabha, with the Congress being the largest Opposition party with 99 seats. The representation in the 18th Lok Sabha reflects the people’s perspectives on various governance-related issues. In theory, there could not be a better government in a functioning democracy, although the difference between theory and practice is evident in the clashes witnessed between the ruling coalition and the Opposition regarding the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha. Several other issues are likely to become points of contention between the ruling party and the Opposition. This writer hopes that the views expressed by the Indian people are taken seriously and that both the ruling party and the Opposition work collaboratively over the next five years, focusing on resolving issues rather than escalating them. Sanjay Kumar is a Professor at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) and a political commentator. The views expressed are personal.
India’s 2024 Election: High Turnout Reflects Voter Engagement Despite Concerns
