Elections in India vs. Elections in the United States

Two of the world’s largest democracies are India and the United States. While the subcontinental system is just about 70 years old, the one used in the United States has been in use for about 240 years. These systems imply that inhabitants of various countries have a significant voice in who comes to power and how policies are implemented. However, the electoral processes in place in these two democracies are one of their most significant features. 

Political parties

If you’ve been paying attention to the recent US elections, you’ll know that the country’s two most powerful parties, both in terms of reach and popularity, are Republicans and Democrats. The Republican Party and the Democratic Party are these parties, each of which is based on a distinct philosophy. Although other parties exist, such as the Libertarian Party and the Green Party, they are often seen as outliers and are referred to as separate entities. However, in the Indian system, there aren’t many parties that are well-known across the country. While the Congress Party is by far the most popular, the Bharatiya Janata Party is a close second in terms of popularity. Apart from these two, India has a plethora of regional parties, many of which differ from one state to the next. In Tamil Nadu, for example, both the BJP and the Congress have no sway because the state is governed by regional parties like the AIADMK and the DMK, among others. Most of these parties, on the other hand, do not subscribe to a certain philosophy and instead formulate policies depending on public opinion, needs, and demands. 

System of voting

Both countries have a strong voting system, but the US system is far more flexible and advanced than India’s.

For example, in the United States, there are numerous ways to vote, including voting in person at polling stations on election day, voting absentee by mail, and voting early. In India, however, the only way to vote is to provide a valid voter ID, select a candidate on an Electronic Voting Machine, and get inked. Furthermore, in both countries, the scanning and counting of votes are done in a similar manner. 

Election commissions

India and the United States have autonomous election boards in charge of hosting elections. The Federal Election Commission and the US Election Assistance Commission are two federal bodies in the United States (EAC). However, because their mission is primarily limited to establishing campaign financing legislation, these institutions do not have the authority to exert control. 

The Election Commission of India (ECI), on the other hand, has more power to yield, as it is responsible for organizing elections, counting votes, establishing financial regulations, and enlisting the assistance of police and domestic military forces to ensure that the voting process is as incident-free as possible. 

Turnout in the polls

When compared to the United States, India has a substantially higher voter turnout. For example, below are the results of the most recent national elections in both countries. In the recently finished elections, only 61.8 percent of eligible voters in the United States voted, compared to 66.8 percent in India. 

In addition, the voting demography in the United States is predominantly elderly persons over the age of 65, who vote 25% more than the 18-24 age group. Based on this data, we can reasonably infer that India and the United States have a lot to learn from one another. For example, the United States needs to do a better job of engaging its youth, while India needs to make voting more accessible to its citizens. 

Elections are a fundamental aspect of democratic societies, providing a structured process through which citizens can participate in their governance. By understanding what an election is and why elections are essential, we can appreciate the crucial role they play in shaping our political landscape. An election allows individuals to exercise their voting rights, selecting leaders who will represent their interests and uphold democratic values.

This process not only ensures that the government reflects the will of the people but also promotes accountability and transparency among elected officials. Through regular elections, citizens contribute to the stability and legitimacy of their government, reinforcing the principles of democracy and fostering civic engagement.