GS2 – Polity
Context:
A successful model of environmentally conscious, low-waste elections has emerged, prompting the Election Commission of India to consider nationwide implementation.
Definition:
A Green Election refers to an ecologically sustainable electoral process that limits environmental damage by minimising plastic use, encouraging biodegradable alternatives, and integrating eco-friendly practices throughout election management.
Core Components of the Green Election Framework:
- Biodegradable Materials:
- Use compostable materials for booths, banners, and other furnishings to eliminate plastic waste.
- Waste Management:
- Implement a three-bin system for waste segregation at all polling and counting stations.
- Eco-Friendly Booths:
- Construct polling stations using materials that are recyclable, reusable, and low in emissions.
- Digital Campaigning:
- Replace physical posters and flyers with digital and social media outreach to reduce resource use.
- Sustainable Transportation:
- Encourage carpooling and use of public transport among voters and campaign personnel.
- Green Incentives:
- Distribute saplings to voters as a token of their sustainable participation in the democratic process.
Implementation Examples:
- Within India:
- Kerala enforced a ban on single-use plastics during elections.
- Goa used biodegradable materials for booth construction.
- Punjab set up eco-friendly booths and distributed saplings to voters.
- Global Initiatives:
- Sri Lanka conducted a fully carbon-audited election campaign with complete carbon offsetting.
- Estonia adopted e-voting systems, which lowered carbon emissions and boosted voter turnout.