Democracy means rule by the people and horse-trading, in simple terms, means political corruption. If there is corruption or malice in the form of horse-trading in the elected representatives themselves then how can the common people expect a true flow of democracy from them? India is the world’s largest democracy, and horse-trading is an insult to the democratic principles of the entire world.
Sargun Saini (16)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Horse-trading is a method used by elected representatives or a political party to gain members from the opposition side in view of gaining a majority and forming the government. According to me, this is an outright insult to the Constitution of India as it clearly states that every representative is elected by the votes of the people and if by horse-trading, the party selects a person who is not the right candidate appropriating the rights bypassing the votes of the people. This is a matter of great concern.
Senjuti Saibal Bhattacharya (19)
A C Patil College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai

Horse-trading refers to buying members from an opposition party with money or other offers in order to increase one party’s majority in the Assembly or the Parliament. When there is a hung assembly after the elections, a party will try to increase their numbers through horse-trading. Then the elections will have only zero value. The concerned party can easily form the government on the basis of majority, and this majority comes from money, and hence illegal.
Arunima (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Horse-trading in politics refers to the act of buying elected representatives from one political party to another to win majority in case of a hung assembly. These political leaders try to win the support of the opposition party members by illegitimate means. They lure the opposition members by promising good positions in the cabinet, or by offering money. As a result, a government is formed which is not according to the will of the people. Horse-trading is an outright insult to democracy and it is equal to killing democracy. The parliament should pass an effective law to stop horse-trading, so that the people feel they are living in a democratic nation.
Samarth Chawla (15)
St Francis De Sales School, Janakpuri, New Delhi

Horse-trading happens when political parties resort to unscrupulous ways to get members from another party to cobble up the majority required for forming a government. Democracy is the biggest loser in this act. Such elected representatives have neither any respect for democracy nor for the voters who elected them. Their only concern, once they get elected is money and power. In the past seven decades, lust for power and money has grown manifolds and that has resulted in democracy becoming a farce and the voter a joke.
Sargun Kaur (13)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Indian politics is run on shrewd bargaining for power, these days. Politicians do anything just to come into power. I think horse-trading is a virus which will one day swallow up the entire legislature. Therefore it must be curbed. The elected representatives must not perfunctorily go with the flow of compromising for the sake of power, but be vigilant enough to understand that their actions will lead to people losing faith in democracy. This can surely be debilitating if not lethal.
Diya Vinod Surjuse (15)
Agragami Convent School, Wardha

Horse-trading takes place when political parties resort to unlawful ways to lure members from another party to cook up the majority required to form a government. Sometimes, the defectors are rewarded with plum ministerial berths, and with huge monetary gain. Horse-trading is a mockery of democracy.
Tamanna (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Due to difficulties in evaluating the merits of a horse offered for sale, the sale of horse offers opportunities for dishonesty leading to the use of horse-trading to refer to complex bargaining or other transactions like political vote trade. This amounts to showing total disloyalty to one’s own party and to the people who elected them.
Vartika Baghel (13)
Jeevan Marg Sophia Secondary School, Deoria

Political vote-trading or deal making is technically named as horse-trading. Ours is an era of politicians declining in commitment to ideology or principles. A government thus formed is just the outcome of horse trading. This is a reality in the world’s largest democracy, today. None of the leading parties is an exception! Political morality and values are defeated by unscrupulous horse-trading by politicians. More worrying is the inaction of law-makers, and the election commission which is entrusted with the task of upholding the constitutional values that form the foundation of democracy. Its silence on such issues is a blatant violation of the model code of conduct, guiding the elections in the country.
Nishtha Uppal (12)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Democracy is the political system meant to give power into the hands of citizens that their elected representative could work for the welfare of every citizen of the nation. However, if politicians themselves are traded then I wonder if they could do anything good for their people. Horse-trading is a speck on the “kurta” of the politicians and is a betrayal of the faith of the people who voted for them, and violence against the democratic system. In the contemporary politics we see how horse-trading has destroyed the ethics of politics. It has resulted in more corruption in politics and has made politics a medium to make money illegally on the sweat and blood of the tax payers. Enforcing certain strict laws to check horse trading, the political system can be made more honest and efficient.
Shivam Uniyal (19)
HNBGU, Srinagar Garhwal

If a particular party is lacking majority after the election, it resorts to horse trading to gain majority and ultimately to form a government. These parties are power greedy that they try to form government by hook or by crook. This increases corruption in the country and lessen the trust of people in the government and in the Constitution. Even the Supreme Court is unable to find a solution to this problem.
Deepal (15)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

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Democracy is meant to empower the citizens. But the expansionist state is bent on luring citizens into surrendering their sovereignty and turning citizens into clients. Elected governments repeatedly fail the people as politicians ignore the fact that without free, empowered citizens there can be no real democracy. Post poll bargaining is now very common to gain power, which could make future generations dangerously cynical about democracy.
Sargun Kaur (13)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Elections are important to keep a democracy functioning as they give people the right to elect their own government. Some people contest elections only to gain power while some really respect the ideals of democracy. So, democracy doesn’t simply mean elections. It is one small component to form a government of people’s choice. Democracy is also an ideology founded on the basis of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
Gargi Mohan Kothe (15)
Agragami Convent School, Wardha

Democracy is not part of elections, but elections are part of democracy. We have the right to stand by the right thing and against the wrong. The fact that our representatives can speak for us and we can speak against them, is democracy. Democracy is not just about voting, it’s about freedom of expression, and equality.
Anahit Sandhu (15)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Democracy is a lot more than elections because majority rule is often listed as a characteristic of democracy. In some countries, freedom of speech, freedom of the press and internet are considered important to ensure that voters are well informed, enabling them to vote according to their interests. It strengthens democratic Institutions, assuring transparency and sound management.
Mahak Singh (13)
St Anthony’s Jr College, Agra

Democracy is beyond the ballot box. A vote alone won’t give a person the ability to go out and ask for the change they wish to see. A vote alone won’t give people the ability to shape their future. Hence, we need to look beyond the ballot box.
Mahi Gandhi (12)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Democracy is not synonymous with elections because elections are only a part of the democratic process. Democracy is about our everyday life, is about creating opinion which would influence the policy makers to make laws for a better society. Voting is a responsibility along with a right; similarly democracy is not just about elections but about ensuring equality and justice to every citizen.
Himshailja Ranawat
Sophia Girls Sr. Sec. School, Bhilwara

Democracy in its true form can only be followed if the representatives elected by the people actually work for the welfare of the citizens of the country. Elections are meant to let people choose well-deserving representatives for serving the nation and bringing it to greater heights.
Senjuti Saibal Bhattacharya (19)
A C Patil College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai

A democratic government ensures the active participation of the people where the citizens get the chance to choose their government. People choose a candidate or party through elections. The election process in a democracy is similar in most ways. Elections, conducted at regular intervals, ensure that anyone can become part of the government without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed or religion.
Jasleen Saini (13)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

For me, democracy means responsibility, a responsibility which is far beyond just electing leaders. It means to show concern for the nation, to exercise the right of voting, not just “for the sake of elections”, but for being a responsible citizen and for the love of the country.
Khushi (15)
Jeevan Marg Sophia Secondary School, Deoria

Democracy is a form of government that empowers people to fight against injustice and discrimination. Voting is fundamental to democracy which is a powerful instrument that can change our lives. Too often elections are taken as the only exercise of democracy. But beyond elections are principles and institutions; beyond elections are the powers that a democracy provides its citizens. So we need to look beyond the ballot box and understand elections as one part of a much wider and complex reality.
Radhika Jhawar
Sophia Girls Sr. Sec. School, Bhilwara

True democracy depends on active political participation by all the citizens and the elections should be free and fair, where those currently in power have a fair chance of losing.
Samarth Chawla (15)
St Francis De Sales School, Janakpuri, New Delhi

Democracy strives for the development of people. When they make a free choice, they make mistakes and learn from them. Their mistakes turn them into better individuals. No one will vote again for a corrupt government.
Arunima (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Democracy is electing deserving candidates. Well, it is a lot more. In a democratic country, everyone has power. We can choose leaders for ourselves. It is a great opportunity for us, and we should make full use of it. In our race to become a developed nation the track will take many turns and each turn will depend on how judiciously we play our individual roles.
Rishika Meena (11)
St Anthony’s Jr. College, Agra

The makers of our Indian Constitution meant a lot more than elections when they talked of democracy. This fact is clearly visible in the ideals of Liberty, Fraternity, Secularism, Socialism and Sovereignty which safeguard the social and political status of each individual other than giving them equal rights. Elections aren’t vitiating it, but are the most visible mediators of applying this to practical life.
Diya V. Surjuse (15)
Agragami Convent School, Wardha

Democracy is the form of government in which the people choose their legislators. In a secular democracy we are also free to follow our own religion. We enjoy freedom of speech, right to a fair trial, etc. We can stay in any part of the country and can do any business.
Charvi Suriya
Sophia Girls Sr. Sec. School, Bhilwara

Democracy is more than just holding elections. Our voting system worked well for decades but now it is broken. Elections are held for name’s sake. Democracy brings political equality and political participation. But in our country, democracy is not practised as what it truly means.
Maansi Bharti (15)
Notre Dame School, New Delhi

Democracy is supposed to empower citizens at all levels. Sadly, in our democracy, citizens are enfeebled and politicians grow more powerful. Nowadays, in the greed for winning the elections, distributing money and liquor by candidates is common. This results in regressing our democracy to a lower level.
Deepal (15)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Democracy is synonymous with elections for some, but for others it is much more. Political parties misuse elections by betraying the voters. Too often voting is considered as the only exercise of our civic duty. Beyond elections are democratic values and institutions keeping pace with the cycle of polling.
Diya Thapliyal (15)
Notre Dame School, New Delhi

The Constitution of India provides certain fundamental rights to its citizens. Adult franchise is one of these rights (right to vote). Other fundamental rights are right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to property and constitutional remedies. Through elections, we get to choose our own government. A government thus elected should ensure that these fundamental rights are guaranteed to citizens.
Ansheeka Saini (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Democracy is meant to empower and support the citizens. We saw and read on news channels and newspapers about what happened in Haryana and Maharashtra. It was a show of political play and power. It had to be a democratic procedure. The masses just want someone to listen to and solve their problems, not someone who desires to have just power and rule.
Sargun Saini (16)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

The post Democracy — a lot more than elections? appeared first on The Teenager Today.

Former President K. R. Narayanan made history when he, with wife Usha, went to a nearby polling booth to vote on February 16, 1998, the first day of the General Elections. After standing in queue for a while with many of the Rashtrapati Bhavan staff, he cast his vote, becoming the first Indian President to exercise his franchise while in office. Presidents till then refrained from voting, as a sign of their ‘neutralness’.

Narayanan reasoned the other way about, stating that it is most natural for the citizen of a democratic country to vote. So, he being the first citizen of the country should set an example to the rest of the citizens by voting, which he did in the simplest possible way.

Celestina Cruz, a well-known journalist from Philippines, wrote commenting on the Indian Elections (1996) in the South China Morning Post (Hongkong): “That a populous country like India can change its leadership without a major political or social upheaval is admirable. India has shown the rest of the world what it means to be truly and intelligently free.”

Beautiful words of praise, I think, and well-deserved, too! But frankly speaking, a large measure of the credit for this should go to our masses. In spite of everything that goes wrong in the country, we have had uninterrupted elections, all through, and almost always, good majority of the Indian masses do go to the polling booths and cast their votes with the determination to make democracy work. Not only that democracy is ingrained in the Indian masses, but they still continue to believe in the power of democracy.

Vote we must, as citizens of the largest democracy in the world, exercising our ‘sacred’ right to choose our representatives to govern the country/state, till the next elections. I believe that one of the major reasons for the country reaching the pitiable state it is in today is the fact that a good number of the ‘educated class’ refuse to vote, when required to, for the flimsiest of reasons. Or when they do, they do not do so in the best interests of the nation. And the result — too many thugs and criminals continue to find their way to the Parliament and State Assemblies turning these into ‘market places’!

“Do not let gundas step into the sacred precincts of the Parliament and state assemblies (he was referring to politicians with criminal records) and desecrate them with their presence,” was Anna Hazare’s advice to the people of India as he began the third phase of his battle for a strong Lokpal Bill to curb corruption in public life.

Vote we must; and only for those who are known for their honesty, integrity and proven love for the nation, in addition to being readily answerable to the people whom they represent and who have voted them to power. All other considerations come only next!

If you are not yet eligible to vote, you will soon be eligible. So it is important that you become aware of this serious responsibility as early as you can, and prepare yourselves to take it up by keeping a watchful eye on those who pose themselves as ‘leaders’, by keeping abreast of what is happening around the country, and above all, by training yourselves to be leaders of a better calibre than the present lot.

The Indian masses may be illiterate, but intelligent. They somehow believe in their power to change a government. More than once they have thrown out, exercising their power, irresponsible governments, both at the Centre and in the States, when they were dissatisfied with their performances.

I doubt whether the above can be said about the ‘educated’ people of the country. They do talk about democracy a lot, but do not show half that interest when it comes to exercising their voting power.

The price we have to pay for keeping democracy alive is eternal vigilance!

The post Vote we must! appeared first on The Teenager Today.

I think casting one’s vote during elections should be made mandatory to ensure full participation in the democratic process. Every vote counts because of which the nation progresses. Therefore, if casting one’s vote is made compulsory, India will surely become a true democratic republic.
Sargun Saini (15)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

The word democracy means, ‘the government by the people, of the people and for the people’. Therefore, to maintain this definition, voting should be made mandatory for every eligible citizen. If a person doesn’t want to vote for any of the parties in the fray, the EVM Machine has the provision for choosing ‘none of the above’. There is no right for anyone to complain about the government if he/she has not voted in the election. Voting should be made compulsory if we want the right leaders for our country.
Arisha Ali (13)
Jeevan Marg Sophia Sec. School, Deoria

Everyone who is eligible to vote should be given an official holiday so that all can exercise his/her right to vote, and help transform the nation for the better rather than letting their opinions remain limited to dining table debates.
Adhishi Pokharna (21)
Mody University

Each adult person in the country has the right to vote, but the irony is that there’s no participation in this process by a large majority of people. Without the full participation of citizens it is impossible to choose the right leaders. Casting one’s votes should be made mandatory as every single vote counts. To ensure full participation and to make the process less time-consuming online methods of voting can be used, though there is an additional virus of corruption. The web portal owners can be easily bought with cash.
Joel Tomy (14)
St Francis De Sales School, New Delhi

Yes, I think that casting one’s vote during elections should be made mandatory as the idea of voting is founded on a goal to establish a responsible government and not only a representative government. Being a responsible citizen, one has the right to vote. All of us should vote to make a better future for our country.
Tamanna (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Voting is the sine qua non of democracy which permits citizens to assess a government on its performance and choose another, if needed, that will fulfil their aspirations. If you do not vote, you have no right to complain. India has seen rising voter turnout over the past few years. Mandatory voting is hardly a concrete solution. Rather than forcing someone, the right course of action should be to sensitise citizens politically, in addition to making polling booths disabled-friendly and safe for women voters.
Shailja Pandey
Nainital

In a democracy, voting is the most important form of political participation that a person has because it ensures that politicians are elected by the people, and not assigned to their offices by someone else.
Mahak Singh (12)
St Anthony’s Jr College, Agra

Democracy means that all the citizens actively participate in the decision-making process of the government. This is possible only when we choose the right leaders who talk less, work more and will LISTEN to our opinions. Some say: “I wish I were born in America or Germany.” Ironically, these are the people who do not vote. We are given the power and if we do not use it, we don’t have the right to complain.
Jyoti Jain (14)
Mary Immaculate Girls High School, Kalina

According to me, it should not be made compulsory to vote. If voting is made compulsory, it will become exactly the opposite of democracy. Merely making something mandatory doesn’t solve any problem.
Priyangasri K. (14)
St Joseph’s AI Hr Sec. School, Chennai

Voting is the most important duty of every citizen of the country above the age of 18. By exercising our voting right properly, we make sure that the government is formed by the people and for the people. Every vote of the citizens will show active and full participation of the people in the formation of governments. Mandatory voting will ensure that not a single vote goes waste or not included in the process of nation building.
Senjuti Saibal Bhattacharya (18)
A. C. Patil College of Engineering, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai

A democratic government is the ideal form of government, and casting one’s vote is the best way to bring in a democratic government. When people cast their votes, they express their opinions about the different parties, leaders, etc., in the fray. At the same time the party/people in power also will get to know their weak areas and failures, as well.
Supriya (16)
St Francis de Sales, Janakpuri, New Delhi

Yes, casting one’s vote during elections should be made mandatory. We have the right to vote, we should use it. It affects the future of our country. It affects our future generation and the economy of our country. We should all go to vote, making the best use of our right, and privilege.
Chahat (15)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Universal Adult Franchise is based on equality, which is the basic principle of democracy. However, it should not be made mandatory. Casting one’s vote in elections should be left to the discretion of citizens. It will have a negative impact if it is made mandatory.
Maria Alexander (16)
Choice School, Tripunithura, Eranakulam

Some think one vote is too small to matter, and so it is useless to vote. They fail to see that their votes contribute to the country’s development as it helps in choosing the right leaders. I think voting should be made mandatory as to ensure full participation in the governing of the country.
Khushi Litoria (14)
St Francis’ Convent Inter College, Jhansi

“Your vote, Your voice”. Voting gives one the chance to choose the right representatives; and so casting votes should be made mandatory. If we don’t exercise our right to vote, the country will head towards anarchy. Be sure, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet”.
Preethi S. (11)
St Joseph’s AI Higher Secondary School, Chennai

A country cannot be truly democratic until its citizens have the opportunity to choose their representatives through elections that are fair and free. All should exercise their voting right, and participate fully in this democratic process. Casting votes should be made mandatory to ensure this participation.
Priyanshi Maheshwari
Sophia Girls’ Sr. Sec. School, Bhilwara

Casting one’s vote during elections should be obligatory. It is rightly said, “My vote — My choice”. And being an Indian citizen, it shouldn’t be optional. As our country is based on the system of democracy which consists of equal rights for everyone, there should be full involvement in the democratic process.
Anamika Singh (14)
St Joseph’s Convent High School, Patna

Large participation of voters in the election process makes government formation truly representative. Unfortunately, many people do not vote, thinking their votes would not matter. While it is important to have high turnout of voters, making voting mandatory is contradictory to the democratic value of freedom. Instead, the government agencies should make people aware of the importance of voting. Further, election process should be made more comfortable like having booths closer to residences, making election booths cleaner with adequate ventilation, employing proper crowd control methods, etc.
Anuj Rikhye (12)
St Francis de Sales School, Janakpuri

Single drops constitute an ocean, and so also every vote contributes towards the formation of a country. In a democracy, government is constituted by the people through election process, and so casting one’s votes should be made mandatory for all.
Ishmeet Kaur (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Yes, it should be mandatory because India is a combination of people of diverse thinking and beliefs. Every single vote determines the quality of our governments. So, we should vote to ensure our full participation in the democratic process
Krishna Jain
B. J. M. Carmel Academy, Chandrapur

The democratic process is a wheel in motion. All the spokes need to be equally affirmed for that wheel to revolve efficiently. Making voting obligatory will produce governments with more stability, legitimacy and a genuine mandate to govern, and so is very necessary.
Smriti Minhas (14)
St Joseph’s Convent School, Jalandhar

Yes, casting one’s vote during election should be made mandatory to ensure full participation in democratic process. Taking part in the formation of the government of the country is a fundamental human right which can be exercised only by casting our votes, leading to the formation of a responsible government.
Sejal Sancheti
Sophia Girls’ Sr. Sec. School, Bhilwara

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