- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
The Green Democracy
Elections are the heartbeat of democracy, where citizens exercise their right to choose leaders who shape their future. In the course of electioneering, have you ever found yourself influenced by a towering 50-foot cutout of a candidate? Or perhaps you’ve judged a political party to be superior simply because of the sheer volume of their roadside festoons? While these visuals are entrenched in the fabric of Indian election culture, their environmental toll raises an important question: Can we afford to sacrifice ecological well-being for fleeting campaign spectacles?
As Kerala is at the doorstep of another election cycle across the state through the 2025 local body election, it’s time to rethink our approach. Let this election not only bring forth visionary leaders but also set a benchmark for an eco-conscious electoral process, one that reflects the progressive responsibility of today’s youth toward environmental preservation.
The Election Commission of India, in its continuous effort to promote sustainability, issued guidelines in August 2023 for the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections, reiterating the importance of eco-friendly campaigning. The interesting trivia here, is that these guidelines have been in place since 1999, reissued religiously before each election. The troubling reality is that while these directives are clear, the gap between policy and practice remains wide. How often have these well-intentioned mandates been truly implemented?
The Green Election is a stratagem designed to curb environmental degradation resulting from election activities. This gambit aligns electoral processes with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), advocating for measures such as waste segregation and the recycling of materials used at polling stations and campaign events. It’s not just about reducing plastic waste, it’s about transforming the electoral process into one that respects the environment as much as it does democratic values.
In fact, Kerala has been a pioneer in adopting this démarche. An important milestone in this regard is the Kerala High Court’s ruling in March 2019, in response to WP (C)No. 7193 of 2019 (B.S. Syamkumar v. State of Kerala & Others). The court explicitly instructed all candidates and political parties to adhere strictly to the Election Commission’s guidelines, which prohibit the use of non-biodegradable materials such as PVC flex boards. This landmark judgment reaffirmed the need for eco-friendly campaigns, setting a legal precedent for the entire country.
Yet, despite these legal provisions, the widespread use of unsustainable campaign materials persists. It’s illogical and, frankly, ineffective to blanket cities with countless flex banners when the attention they seek is often fleeting. In today’s digital age, the majority of people are more absorbed by their screens than the towering cutouts that dominate public spaces. Therefore, a shift towards digital campaigns is not only prudent but also environmentally sound. Elections, as a participatory process, is a unique opportunity to educate the public about environmental issues, turning each campaign into a platform for broader ecological awareness.
A recent example of the Green Election concept in practice can be seen in the Anandpur Sahib parliamentary constituency of Punjab. Under the leadership of Dr. Heera Lal, IAS, an innovative model intersecting democratic duties with environmental sustainability was demonstrated. Dr. introduced eco-friendly polling booths, designed to minimize environmental impact by eliminating single-use plastics and utilizing biodegradable materials. His team also established a booth management committee focused on achieving a 100% voter turnout. In a move that symbolized the union of democratic participation and environmental stewardship, voters were gifted saplings a powerful gesture linking civic responsibility with ecological care. This initiative yielded impressive results, with over 50,000 saplings distributed to voters. Not only did this fired a flame for a culture of environmental responsibility, but it also created a blueprint for future electoral processes. Documented meticulously for future replication, this initiative stands as a testament to what can be achieved when democratic and environmental goals align.
In today’s world, where environmental concerns dominate global discourse, a candidate who brands themselves as a conservationist stands to gain significantly in terms of public perception. Voters, increasingly aware of environmental challenges, are likely to favor candidates who advocate for sustainable practices. Even if individual efforts in this direction are minimal, the message a candidate sends by prioritizing the environment resonates deeply with a conscientious electorate.
As we look towards the future, it is essential that we bridge the gap between electoral ambition and environmental responsibility. Green Elections are not just a necessity they are a testament to a society that values its democratic rights and its environmental duties equally. Let us strive for an election process that not only empowers citizens but also safeguards the planet for future generations.
In the words of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, democracy is about respect for our fellow human beings. In the modern context, that respect must extend to the environment we all share. Democracy is of diverse colors and green is my favorite.
