CHAPTER -I

INTRODUCTION

The Panchayati Raj system is significant because It helps the people to directly
participate in decision-making and It also helps in the decentralization of power at the
grassroots level democracy. The 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the country have
been entrusted to provide basic services in the villages and plan for local economic
development1. If village self-government is to be achieved beyond the Dreams of
Mahatma Gandhi, it must start from the villages of the country2. It has to come from
the village level if the aspirations and characteristics prescribed by our constitution
makers are to come into practice3. In many democracies around the world, the
participation of the electorate in the electoral process is considered their political
right. The right to vote in India is recognized by the Constitution and enshrined in the
Representation of the People Act of 19515. According to the provisions embodied in
the Constitution of India, the right to vote is vested in a citizen of India who has
attained the age of 18 years’ Adult suffrage is granted. In addition, the name is
registered in the electoral roll of the constituency as per section 2 of the
Representation of the People Act 1951 every citizen has the right to vote.

India Representation of the People Act 1951 and subsequently Lowering of

voting age through the 61st Amendment Act (1988) to the Constitution reduced the
minimum age for voting from 21 to 18 years6. The way is paved for development
of villages through rights, responsibilities, duties and powers in the Panchayati Raj
Act framed by the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in the year19937. An
important milestone in the development of our country is the election of
representatives by the right factors influencing the behaviour of future Indian
voters we are not able to elect a proper representative by applause. Whenever
various factors have no bearing on the voter turnout the electorate is free to
 exercise the most sacred right to vote as enshrined in the Constitution. Outlines and
the appearance of village self-government in a democracy depends on the decision
of the voters8. This age is the age of representation. Indirect democracy is more
prevalent in the country today than direct democracy in the world. All political
positions will be filled today through elections9.That is why adult suffrage is so
important today. However, variant influential factors such as predominance of
dominated rich class category, favariousm of caste the effect, an impact of social
media etc., influencing the voter behaviour while exercising his right to vote on
polling day at the village level panchayat election10.

The behavior shown by voters during elections is called voting behavior. By

voting, pollsters make their own decisions about which candidate party is contesting
the election. But the decision of the voters is influenced by many factors such as
external influences and external forces, which are called determinants. The success of
every democracy depends on free and fair electoral process. In a democratic state,
individuals who have reached the age specified by the state. The behavior of voters
also changes depending on the time and place of the constituency. Firstly studied the
electoral behavior of four Indian states between 1952 and 1967. Similarly Moorish
Johnson conducted his study on electoral behavior during the 1972 election. The
study of voting behavior in India is particularly influenced by the study of elections
in some developed countries, especially the United States. The analysis of voting
behavior conducted by Indian researchers Mitigan and Columbia University is a
far-fetched affair, as respondents do not answer poll-related questions. Legitimacy is
paramount to the functioning of the electorate when voters cast ballots.gardless of
caste, religion, color, sex, language, can vote. Polling is a voter's subjective judgment
of a candidate or party in an election and the voter's judgment is not always
independent and may be influenced by many events, perceptions, and factors. The
type of behavior exhibited by the voters while voting in elections is called polling
behavior.

“Voting” is one of the most commonly used terms in contemporary age of

democratic politics. The ever increasing popularity of democratic theory and practice
has even made this term a household name. In democratic systems, and their number
is quite large and even increasing, each adult citizen uses “Voting” as a means for
expressing his approval or disapproval of governmental decisions, policies and
programmers of various political parties and the qualities of the candidates who are
engaged in the struggle to get the status of being the representatives of the people. In
a limited way voting refers to the function of electing representatives by casting votes
in elections. However, in broad terms, as Richaed Rose and Harvey Massive point
out, voting covers as many as six important functions:-

1. It involves individual’s choice of governors or major governmental policies;

2. It permits individuals to participate in a reciprocal and continuing exchange of

influence with officeholders and candidates;

3. It contributes to the development or maintenance of an individual’s allegiance to

the existing constitutional regime;

4. It contributes to the development or maintenance of a voter’s disaffection from

existing constitutional regime;

5. It has emotional significance for individuals; and

6. For some individuals it may be functionless i.e devoid of any emotional or political
significant personal consequences.

“Voting” as such is a function of immense significance for the voters, the

candidates and the students of Politics. The study of voting behaviour has come to be
regarded as an important aspect of contemporary political research and theo Samuel
S. Eldersveld in his article Theory and Method in Voting Behaviour Research writes:
The term “voting behavior” is not new. But it has been used of late to describe certain
areas of study and types of political phenomena which previously had either not been
conceived or were considered irrelevant. Voting behavious is not confined to the
examination of voting statistics, records and computation of electoral shifts and
swings. It also involves an analysis of individual psychological processes
(perception, emotion, and motivation) and their relation to political action as well as
of institutional patterns, such as the communication process and their impact on
election. In the words of Plano and Riggs, “Voting Behaviours is a field of study
concerned with the ways in which people tend to vote in public election and the
reasons why they vote as they do”. The term voting behaviour has recently been
expended in meaning and is taken as one major and board area of study subsumed
within the broader designation of political behavior. It involves a study of human
political behaviorin the context of voting in elections. Voting behaviours studies open
windows on the minds of the millions of people who are involved in the political
process as voters. These constitute an important area of political science in which
theory can be systematically and qualitatively measured and tested. Election refers to
a process of democratic participation in which all the people express their opinion
about personalities and issues by making on a ballot paper. Election expresses
democratic class struggle through voting. Major differences in the political
allegiances of different age groups, classes, education, religious or ethnic groups have
been reported by voting survey. Voting for right or left depends upon a person’s life
experiences. The study of electoral behavior constitutes a very significant area of
empirical investigation that takes the subjects of politics very close to the discipline
of sociology with the result that a new dimension of advanced study, rather a
discipline, is becoming more and more popular with the name of political sociology
or sociological politics. Man is a rational creature in the philosophical sense of term;
he is not so rational in the realms of his economic and political behaviour. An
empirical study of the electoral behavior displays the astounding fact that the
behavior of man is influenced by several irrational forces. The role of political parties
and pressure groups in invoking religious and communal factors, influence of money
or charismatic personality of a leader and a host of other irrational forces have their
definite influence on the minds of the voters. The role of these irrational forces can
be discovered or discerned in case a student of empirical politics focuses his attention
on how the favorable results of an election are obtained. This fact applies to every
democratic system and, as such, India is no exception. However, keeping the case of
Indian voting behavior in view, Prof.V.M.Sirsikar well observes: “An enquiry into the
process of election indicates factors other than rationality. It may be said that India
has secured a stable government, but the mass manipulation, casteist influences,
minority fears, and charismatic hold of the Prime Minister have played no main part
in this process.

MEINING AND DEFINATION:

Nabarangpur district has consistently exhibited impressive voter turnout rates. In

the 2024 elections, the district achieved a turnout of 84.57%, surpassing its previous
record of approximately 80% in 2019. This remarkable participation is largely
attributed to extensive voter awareness campaigns under the Systematic Voters’
Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative. These efforts focused on
educating voters about the importance of their vote and simplifying the voting
process.

Electoral Dynamics and Party Influence:

The political landscape of Nabarangpur district is predominantly influenced by tribal

communities, with the Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituency reserved for Scheduled
Tribes (ST). The constituency comprises several assembly segments, including
Umerkote, Jharigam, Nabarangpur, Dabugam, Kotpad, Malkangiri, and Chitrakonda.
Over the years, the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Biju Janata Dal (BJD)
have been the principal political parties contesting elections in this region. For
instance, in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate
Balabhadra Majhi secured the Nabarangpur seat by defeating BJD's Pradeep Kumar
Majhi by a margin of 87,536 votes.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement:

Despite high turnout rates, challenges such as voter apathy, misinformation, and
logistical issues persist. Continuous efforts are needed to address these challenges,
ensuring that all eligible voters are informed, motivated, and able to participate in the
electoral process.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

●​ To study various factors which influencing the voter during Panchayat
Elections.
●​ To observe the Political Consciousness in Panchayat Election.
●​ To Study the awareness programmes of election machinery.
●​ To trace out the reasons for changing trends in panchayat election.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:
A brief review of literature focusing on Panchayati Raj Institutions in India presented

Dinesh Goswami committee (1990)12the Committee on Electoral Reforms;

Recommended that election commission should lay down ceiling on maximum
election expenditure instead of central government.” the role of money and muscle
power at elections…rapid criminalisation of politics …increasing menace of
participation of no-serious candidates; from the core of our electoral problems
needs to be addressed and amendment to RPA Act of 1951.

L.M. Sighvi Committee (1986)13 in 1986, Rajiv Gandhi government appointed a

committee on ‘Revitalisation of Panchayati Raj Institutions for Democracy and
Development’ under the chairmanship of L.M. Singhvi.The committee
recommended that the Panchayti Raj Institutions should be constitutionally
recognised, protected and preserved. For this purpose, a new chapter should be
added in the constitution of India. It also suggested constitutional provisions to
ensure regular, free and fair elections to the Panchayati Raj bodies.
 Kothari, Rajni (2004)14A classic collection edited by Rajni Kothari, much of
which remains relevant in the Indian political scenario four decades since its
compilation. The work covers detail of caste movements in Gujarat and Tamil
Nadu, both from a historical and a theoretical perspective. It also considers caste
political movements in Rajasthan, Andhra, and also in urban areas of Pune and
Agra. In his introduction, Kothari posits the role of politics as a system that
attempts to build on existing organisational forms in society, and clearly caste has
been an important social structure across India. Also, in order to gain legitimacy,
political change in a democratic society. can proceed only by a conversation
between the old and the new, a fusion of elements, and a readiness on the part of
both the moderns and the ancients to be flexible and accommodative. Though there
is widespread awareness of the role of caste, personally, the author felt that the
social circle was much influenced by our caste.

George Mathew (1994)15in his work “Panchayati Raj from Legislation to

Movement” states how Panchayati Raj which has become the third tier of
governance with the Constitution (Seventy-third Amendment) Act, is of
far-reaching significance for decentralised governance in India. The author takes
the reader on a journey into the vicissitudes of local government in India, from the
years of Community Development through the Balwant Rai Mehta Committee, the
post Nehruvian days of its decline and the re-emergence of the second generation
with the Ashok Mehta committee report, culminating in the present amendment.
The first-hand account of the experience in local government of West Bengal,
Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and even far away China, and of issues like
continuous efforts are not made to convert it into a people’s movement and of
issues like the involvement of political parties, the role of women in Panchayati
Raj system.

HYPOTHESIS

1. "Young voters (18-25) are less likely to vote compared to older age groups due to
political disengagement." Women in rural areas are less likely to vote compared to
urban women due to social and mobility restrictions.

2. Political Awareness and Media Influence Hypothesis "Voters who actively follow
news and political debates are more likely to make informed voting decisions."
Social media campaigns have a significant influence on first-time voters' choices.
3. Socioeconomic Factors Hypothesis "Higher education levels correlate with higher
voter turnout." "Voters from economically disadvantaged backgrounds are more
likely to vote based on immediate benefits like welfare schemes rather than long-term
policies."

4. Election Process and Accessibility Hypothesis "The introduction of online voting

or e-voting will significantly increase voter turnout among urban populations."
Longer polling station wait times decrease voter participation.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The data required for the present study was collected through both primary and
secondary sources; the primary data was collected through structured questionnaire
and scheduled methods. The secondary source of data for the study includes state
statutes, state orders, articles from academic and non-academic books, e-books,
journals, e- journals, internet sources, surveys on Panchayati Raj Institutions,
research studies. However, the data gathered through primary investigation were
analysed by using appropriate mathematical and statistical methods

CHAPTER - II

II. DEMOGRAPHY PROFILE OF KANGRA PANCHAYAT

Demographic profile is one of the most importance factors in panchayat

election. Kangra Gram panchayat is a rural local body in Tentulikhunti Panchayat
Samiti part of Nabarangpur Zilla Parishad, Odisha. It was established in 1985 . There
are total five revenue villages under this panchayat jurisdiction . The name of these
five revenue villages are first Kongra , second Janiguda , third Dukhuguda , fourth
Olama , and fifth Lakadipala . This panchayat is further divided into 14 nos. of
Wards.

According to population census 2011, the total population of this gram

panchayat is 6523 , out of which 3194 are males and 3329 are females. The
population statistics of this gram panchayat is ST - 795 , SC - 2788 , OBC - 832 ,
and Others - 2108 . This panchayat is home to various communities, such as MALI,
 SUNDHI, PARAJA, BHATRA, SOURA etc. each with distinct cultural traditions
and governance structures. Tribal communities have a strong influence on social and
political structures in this panchayat.

The Literacy rate in Kangra panchayat is 39.04% , as 2547 out of total 6523
population are educated here. In males the Literacy rate is 50% , as 1597 out of total
3194 males are educated. However female Literacy rate is 28.53% , as 950 out of
total 3329 females are educated in this panchayat.

The Kangra gram panchayat is largely rural with a terrain characterized by

forests and agricultural lands. The total geographical area of this panchayat is 2236
hectares. In this panchayat over 80% of the population depends on agriculture, with
marginal farmers and landless labourers forming the majority. Nabarangpur is
nearest town to Kangra panchayat for all major economic activities.

The Kangra gram panchayat headquarter is at the distance of around 12 KM

away from the Block headquarter, Tentulikhunti and 15 KM away from District
headquarter, Nabarangpur . Kangra gram panchayat is a key political battle ground
in Tentulikhunti Block.

❖​ Population
Census Parameter Census Data

Total Population 6523

Total No of Houses 900

Female Population % 51.03 % ( 3329)

Total Literacy rate % 39.04% ( 2547)

Female Literacy rate 28.53 % ( 950)

Scheduled Tribes Population % 12.18% ( 795)

Scheduled Caste Population % 42.74% ( 2788)

Working Population % 75 %

Child(0 -6) Population by 2011 153

Girl Child(0 -6) Population % by 2011 51 % ( 79)

CHAPTER - III

III. Determinants of Voting Behavior in India

The behaviour of voter is influenced by several factors such as religion,

caste, community, language, money, policy or ideology, purpose of the polls, extent
of franchise, political wave etc. The political parties and groups make use of these
variables for the sake of winning the battle of the ballot box. Despite making their
professions for enlightened secularism, politicians can be found making appeals to
the religious and communal sentiments of the people; they can also be found
involved in exploiting the factors of language or money to achieve the purpose of
emerging successful in the war of votes. Appeals are issued and canvassing
campaigns conducted in the name of a particular policy or ideology for the same
purpose. The interest of the voters and accordingly their behavior at the time of
voting is also influenced by the nature or purpose of the elections or the extent of the
suffrage. The force of charisma has its own part to play whereby the voters are
influenced by a slogan like “Garibi Hatao”, or “A vote for a pair of bullocks is vote
for Panditji and progress”, or “Indira means India, India means Indira”, or “Indira
means Dictatorship”, “My heart beats for India” versus “Rajiv means Before” and the
like. The roles of all these factors can be examined in the study of Indian electoral
behaviour. There are several factors responsible for voting Behaviour in India. This
paper highlighted some determinants of Indian voters. In India following main
political and socio-economic factors which act as determinates of voting behaviours
in our Democratic system;

1. CHARISMA: One important factor of voting behaviour is Charisma. It means

exceptional quality of a factor and override group elements leader that becomes a
source of attraction and reverence for the people in large numbers in an opposite
sense, it also means a source of awe and terror that frightens the people in large
numbers not to speak or dare to do anything against the wishes of the mighty leader.
Fortunately, in our country, the constructive aspect of charisma has had its role at the
time of election. Huge attendance at the meetings addressed by towering personalities
like Nehru, Indira, Vajpayee, Modi and a sudden change in the mind of the voters in
response to the appeals issued by such great figures may be counted as the concrete
evidences of the role of charisma in the electoral behaviour of our people. The slogan
of “Garibi Hatao” worked miracles in the election of 1971; the personality of Mrs.
Gandhi after India’s miraculous victory in the Bangladesh War had the same
marvelous impact on the mind of the electorate in the State Assembly elections of
1972. The image of Jayaprakash Narayan had the same effect in the elections of
1977. So was the effect of the personality of Rajiv Gandhi in the elections of 1984
and of V.P.Singh in the elections of 1989. Personality of Modi, BJP won election of
2014. That is why, it is said: “Where the groups factors are weak or cancel out, this
charisma may be the major.”
2. CASTE:

Caste continues to be a determinant of voting behaviours in India. It has

deep roots in the society and constitutes an important basis of social relations at all
levels. Despite the adoption of several provisions which prohibit action and
discrimination on its basis, caste continues to be a determinant of political
behaviours. Politicisation of caste and casteism in polities has been a well known
reality of the Indian political system. The political parties in India, without any
exception, while formulating their policies, programmes and election strategies
always keep in mind the caste factor. Caste is a factor in the selection of candidates
for contesting anelection from a constituency. Votes are demanded in the name of
caste . Jat Ki Vot Jat Ko, Brahmin votes vs. Jat votes or Jat votes vs Ahir votes etc.,
are commonly used „principles‟ for planning an election startagy. The role of caste as
a determinant of voting behaviour has been analysed by several scholars and they
have come out with the conclusion, as Morris Jones writes, Politics is more important
to caste and caste is more important to politics than before.‟ Caste is the main
language of voters belonging to rural India. Despite the adoption of democratic
values which conceive of a society free from casteism, caste continues to characterise
politics in India. Indeed it has become one of the chief means by which the Indian
masses have been attached to the process of democratic politics. The decision to
implement Mandal Commission recommendation for reservation of jobs for other
Backward Classes (castes) and the reaction it generated in politics testifies to the
continued presence of caste as a determinant of politics in India. However, it must be
stated that the role of caste as determinant of the voting behaviour has been
undergoing a change, at least in the urban areas. Issue based political struggle is
gradually taking its shape in the Indian polity. But the situation continues to be
paradoxical.
3. RELIGION: The establishment of a secular state in India – by guaranteeing right
to freedom of religion to everyone, treating every religion equal and non –
recognition of any religion as a state religion – has not been successful in preventing
the role of religion as determinant of political behaviour in general and voting
behaviour in particular. The existence of such political parties and neo-political
groups as stand linked with a particular religion, for example, Muslim League, Akali
Dal, Hindu Maha Sabha, Shiv sena etc., have been one of the reasons behind the
continued role of religion as a determinant of voting behaviour. Religious pluralism
of the Indian society is a major feature of the environment of Indian political system
and it greatly influences the struggle for power among political parties. The selection
of candidates is done with an eye upon the presence of a religious majority in a
particular constituency. The candidates do not hesitate to seek votes by playing the
religious card with co-religious voters and the secular card with members of others
religious communities. Use of religious places for political ends is also a standard
practice, particularly during elections. The religionisation of social-political issues is
again resorted to by political parties and other groups. The voters very often vote on
religious considerations.

4. LANGUAGE: India is a multi-lingual state. Linguism also serves as factor in

voting behaviour. The organization of states on linguistic basis fully reflects the
importance of language as a factor of politics in India. There have been problems in
states like that of status of one particular language in that state, or relating to the
quality of the status of a language of a state. Since people have emotional attachment
with their languages, they easily get influenced whenever there comes up any issue
relating to language. Linguistic interests always influence voting behaviour.

5. MONEY FACTOR: India is a poor country with a large number of people living
below poverty line. Money as such plays a vital role in determining voting behaviour
of the people in India. A rich candidate or party has always better chances of winning
the elections. But it is to be pointed out here that it happens only in normal
circumstances and not during a wave –election or when other key issues are involved.
Despite organizing a very expensive election campaign, the Congress (I) lost power
in 1989.

6. SUB-NATIONALISM: Ethnic pluralism, communalism, regionalism and

sub-nationalism are the hard realities of Indian society. Of late sub-nationalism has
become a crucial factor in influencing the voting behaviour of the people. At times a
secessionist group gives a call for the boycott of elections and uses pressure tactics to
forces the voters either not to vote in favour of a particular party. Some regional
political parties like some fractions of the Alkali Dal, Naga Nationalist Organization,
Gorkha League, Jharkha party, AASU and AAGSP in Assam have raised parochial
slogans from time to time and have disturbed the emotional stability of the people of
their states. Such actions of some political parties have at times influenced some
people to organize themselves on narrow and parochial lines.

7. PERFORMANCE OF THE PARTY IN POWER: Each Political party contests

elections on the basis of an election manifesto, and after coming into power, it is
expected to fulfit the promises made there in. Good or bad performance of the ruling
party, just on the basis of the election promises made and promises actually fulfilled
influence the basis behavior of the people in a big way. We experienced it in 1989 in
India, when the Congress (I), which got a thumping majority in 1984 election could
not win even a simple majority in the very next election held in 7989 mainly because
of its failure to perform successfully. In 7989, the Congress Party and in 1991 the
Janata Dal failed to win because of their failures to exercise power and maintain their
political stabilities .This has happened mainly because of a corresponding increase in
the number of floating voter or switchers who are mostly young men and women
from educated upper middle class, and are ready to shift their support from one party
to another on the basis of their performance.

8. MASS LITERACY: Mass literacy has been another factor of voting behaviours in
India. It is because of this weakness of the people that political parties, communal
groups and militant outfits, are in a position to exploit the sentiments of the people in
the name of caste, religion, region and other such factor. The votes of the illiterate
constitute a big proportion of the votes polled and hence it plays a big role in
determining the outcomes of elections. However, despite this feature, the common
sense and maturity born out of experience of the past has also been playing a big role
in influence the voters mind and actions. In 1977 they united to defeat the forces
authoritarianism and 1980; they again to defeat the this united non performers.

9. FACTIONALISM: The Indian Political life, from the village level to the national
level, in characterized by factionalism. No political party, nor even the cadre based
BJP and the two communist parties is free from factionalism. It is at work, as Rajani
Kothari points out, at all level of the congress. It has adversely affected the strength
of the congress is a political party with glorious past, a weak present and not a bright
future. Other parties are also suffering from factionalism. The voters are getting
disenchanted with some of the political parties because of their inability to overcome
factionalism. They are turning to locally organized parties or regional parties which,
because of their small organizational network and limited operational based are
relatively less affected by factionalism.

10. PUBLIC ESTEEM OF THE CANDIDATE: A candidate report with the people
with constituency or his known qualities or contribution in any value spread of
activity always acts as a factor of voting behavior. Apart from his party’s loyalty or
opinion on various issue and problem, a voter while making his choice always takes
into account the nature and level of his association with the candidate. A positive
image of a party’s candidate is a source of popular support for the party. A voter
prefers to vote for a candidate who is approachable and who can help him anyway.

11. ELECTION CAMPAIGNS; Each party launches a vigorous election campaign

for influencing the voters in its favour. Use of such means as mass meetings, street
meetings, personal contacts, posters, poster war, speeches by film stars, TV and
Radio broadcasts, newspaper advertisement, hand bills, processions and propaganda,
is made to win votes, particularly the floating votes. Election Campaign in designed
to make a voter believe that his interest can be best served by the party, the candidate
of the party contesting from his constituency. Poll eve campaigning plays a role in
influencing the choice of the voters. A party which is in a position to create an
impression through its election campaign that it has a chance to win, can earn some
additional votes as several voters try to side with
 CHAPTER-IV
FIELD SURVEY ON A CASE STUDY OF VOTING BEHAVIOR

The above table shows that how many people are voting on the basis of age.

AGE Number of Number Percentage Number percentage

respondents of voter of
non-castin
g voter
18 - 24 725 695 95.86 30 4.13
25 - 34 1515 1495 98.67 20 1.32
35 – 39 1494 1480 99.06 14 0.93
50 - 59 701 680 97.00 21 2.99
60-abo 585 535 91.45 50 8.54
Total- 5020 4885 135

Level of Number Number Percentag Number Percentag

Education of of voter e of e
responden non-casti
ts ng voter
Primary 750 735 98 15 2
SSC 238 230 96.63 8 3.36
HSC 125 115 92 10 8
Graduate 90 79 87.77 11 12.22
Total 1203 1159 44
 CHAPTER-V

V. FACTOR AND CHALLENGES OF VOTING BEHAVIOR

A voting biometric system is a system that uses biometric technology—such as

fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, or voice recognition—to authenticate
voters before they cast their ballots. It helps ensure that only eligible voters
participate, preventing fraud such as multiple voting or identity theft.

❖​ Voter Registration – Citizens provide their biometric data (e.g., fingerprints,

face scans) and link it to their voter ID

❖​ Identity Verification – On Election Day, voters authenticate their identity

using their biometric data.
❖​ Voting Process – Once verified, the system allows them to vote, ensuring no
duplicate votes.
❖​ Secure Data Storage – Biometric records are encrypted and stored securely to
prevent tampering.

Advantages: Prevents voter fraud, Enhances security and trust in elections,

Speeds up the identification process, Reduces reliance on traditional ID cards

Challenges: Privacy concerns over data security, High initial costs for setup
Potential for technical failures

The challenges of a voting biometric system include technical, logistical, security,

and ethical issues. Here are some key challenges:

Voting Biometric System

1. Voter Authentication – Uses biometrics to verify voter identity, preventing

multiple voting and fraud.
2. Secure Voter Registration – Ensures only eligible voters are registered using
unique biometric data.

3. Eliminates Duplicate Voting – Fingerprints, iris scans, or facial recognition

ensure a person votes only once.

4. Improves Election Integrity – Reduces election fraud like impersonation and fake
voter IDs.

5. Fast and Efficient Process – Automates voter verification, reducing long queues
and delays.

6. Digital Record Keeping – Stores biometric data securely for future reference and
audits.

7. Remote or Electronic Voting – Can enable more secure online or electronic

voting options.

8. Increases Voter Trust – Voters have more confidence in the election process when
fraud is minimized.

Challenges of a Voting Biometric System

1. High Implementation Costs – Requires investment in biometric devices,

software, and infrastructure.

2. Technical Issues – Devices may fail, leading to delays or disenfranchisement of

voters.

3. Privacy Concerns – Storing biometric data raises concerns about data protection
and misuse.
4. Cybersecurity Risks – Susceptible to hacking, data breaches, or manipulation.

5. Inclusivity Issues – Some voters (elderly, disabled, manual laborers) may have
unreadable fingerprints.

6. Power & Internet Dependency – Requires stable electricity and internet

connectivity, which may be a challenge in rural areas.

7. Legal and Ethical Concerns – Some people may oppose biometric data collection
due to legal and human rights issues.

8. Logistical Challenges – Ensuring all polling stations have functional biometric

equipment can be difficult.

The challenges of a voting biometric system include technical, logistical, security,

and ethical issues. Here are some key challenges:

i. Technical Challenges

System Failures – Hardware malfunctions or software glitches could prevent eligible

voters from casting their votes.

False Rejections/Acceptances – Errors in biometric recognition can mistakenly

reject legitimate voters or allow unauthorized ones.

Scalability Issues – Handling large populations can be difficult, especially in

countries with high voter turnout

ii. Security and Privacy Concerns

Data Breaches – If biometric data is hacked or leaked, it cannot be changed like

passwords.
Misuse of Data – Government or third parties might misuse stored biometric data for
surveillance.

Cybersecurity Risks – Hackers could manipulate the system to alter election results
or disrupt voting.

iii. Logistical and Implementation Challenges

High Cost – Setting up biometric voting systems requires significant investment in

technology, infrastructure, and training.

Equipment Maintenance – Devices need regular updates and repairs, which may be
costly and time-consuming.

Connectivity Issues – In remote or rural areas with poor internet or electricity,

biometric systems may fail to work efficiently.

iv. Social and Ethical Challenges

Exclusion of Voters – If biometric data is not correctly captured, people may be

unable to vote. This disproportionately affects elderly individuals, manual laborers
(who may have worn-out fingerprints), or people with disabilities.

Public Trust Issues – Some people may distrust biometric voting systems due to
concerns about data security and election manipulation.

v. Legal and Policy Challenges

Regulatory Issues – Many countries lack clear legal frameworks for handling
biometric voting data.

Lack of Standardization – Different regions may use different technologies, leading

to compatibility issues.

FACTORS:

It looks like you're asking about the factors affecting voting behavior (how and why
people vote the way they do). Voting behavior is influenced by multiple factors,
including personal, social, economic, and political aspects. Here are some key
factors:
i. Sociological Factors

Age – Younger voters may support progressive policies, while older voters might
favor traditional values.

Gender – Men and women may have different political priorities, influenced by
societal roles and policies.

Religion – Religious beliefs can shape opinions on moral and social issues.

Ethnicity & Culture – Cultural background can influence party preference and
policy views.

ii. Psychological Factors

Party Identification – Some voters consistently support one political party due to
long-term loyalty.

Candidate Appeal – The personality, charisma, and leadership qualities of a

candidate affect voter decisions.

Political Ideology – Personal beliefs about government roles, economy, and social
policies influence choices.

iii. Economic Factors

Income & Employment – Wealthier individuals may favor lower taxes and free
markets, while lower-income groups may support social welfare policies.

Economic Conditions – Voters may support or reject a ruling party based on

economic stability, inflation, or unemployment.
iv. Media and Information

Social Media Influence – Online campaigns, fake news, and digital ads shape voter
opinions.

Traditional Media – Newspapers, TV, and radio play a significant role in informing
(or misleading) voters.

v. Political and Institutional Factors

Electoral System – Voting methods (e.g., first-past-the-post vs. proportional

representation) can influence voter turnout and choices.

Campaign Strategies – Effective political campaigns, debates, and advertisements

can shift public opinion.

Government Performance – Voters evaluate the ruling party's past performance

before making decisions.

vi. Social Influence and Peer Pressure

Family Influence – Many people adopt the political views of their family.

Community and Peer Groups – Friends, colleagues, and social circles impact
political opinions.

Conclusion

Elections occupy a prominent place in the democratic government. It is a means

through which people express and enforce their political opinion and regulate
political organization of the society. However the behaviour of a voter is influence by
several factors such as religion, caste, community, language, money, policy or
ideology, purpose of the polls, extent of franchise and the like political parties and
groups make use of these variables for the sake of winning the battle of the ballot
box. It is therefore, imperative that the use of these determinants should be avoided
and elections should be conducted in a very free and fair manner It also depends upon
whether the system allows freedom of thought, expression and association to the
people. Mere presence of an electoral system does not make a political system
democratic the will of people is expressed through voting in elections and therefore,
all undemocratic and unfair means like manipulating and rigging need to be avoided
in the elections. No such action is taken which would in any way undermine the
popular will expressed through elections.

Reference:

1.​ https://www.panchayat.gov.in/
2.​ Mathur Kuldeep., (2013). Panchayati Raj: Oxford India Short Introductions,
Oxford University Press, New Delhi, p.31.
3.​ James Manor., (2010). Local Governance, in Niraja Gopal Jayal and Pratap
Bhanu Mehta, (Eds.) The Oxford Companion to Politics in India, Oxford
University Press, New Delhi.
4.​ https://legislative.gov.in/sites/default/files/04_representation of the people
act1951.pdf
5.​ https://www.india.gov.in/my-government/constitution-india/amendments
/constitution -india-sixty-first-amendment-act-1988
6.​ Mahi Pal., (2015) Panchayati Rajin india: Deepening Grassroots
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New Delhi-pp.228.
10.​ Bidyut Chakrabarty and Rajendra Kumar Pandey (2008), Indian
Government and Politics,​ Sage
Publications India Pvt Ltd,New Delhi.
11.​Report of the Working Group on Democratic Decentralisation & PRIs,
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12.​ The Committee on Electoral Reforms (Dinesh Goswami committee report
(1990)Retrievedfr omwww.ht tps://en.wikip
edia.org/wiki/Electoral_reform_in_India:text=DinehGoswami problems
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of Agriculture, Government of India, New Delhi.
14.​ Kothari, Rajni (2004); Caste in Indian Politics, Orient Longman, New Delhi.
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Concept Publishing Company, New Delhi.

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