What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The 2024 Lok Sabha elections have marked a significant milestone in India’s democratic journey, with women voters outnumbering their male counterparts for the second time in history. According to the Election Commission, women clocked a turnout of 65.8%, slightly higher than the 65.6% turnout of men. This achievement is a testament to the growing political awareness and participation of women in the country, reflecting their increasing influence in shaping the nation’s future.
Despite this encouraging trend, the representation of women among the candidates remains disappointingly low. Only 9.5% of the total 8,360 candidates were women, with 74 elected to the Lok Sabha, constituting just 13.6% of the house. This disparity highlights the need for greater efforts to promote gender equality in political representation. The increase in the share of women in the total electorate, which rose to 48.6% from 48.1% in the 2019 general election, is a positive development. However, the fact that 152 of the 543 parliamentary constituencies did not have a single woman candidate underscores the persistent challenges women face in entering the political arena.
The overall voter turnout in the 2024 elections was 66.1%, with nearly 98 crore registered voters and 64.6 crore casting their votes. This high level of participation reflects the robust democratic spirit of the Indian electorate. However, the rejection of nearly 12.5% of postal ballots and the 0.9% NOTA votes on EVMs indicate areas where the electoral process can be further improved to ensure that every vote counts.
The success of women voters in the 2024 elections is a cause for celebration, but it also serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender parity in Indian politics. Encouraging more women to run for office, providing them with the necessary support and resources, and addressing the socio-cultural barriers that hinder their political participation are essential steps towards a more inclusive and representative democracy.
