Green Elections, Sources, Challenges, Examples, Strategies

Context: Traditional election practices contribute significantly to carbon emissions, from campaign flights to the use of non-biodegradable materials.

Understanding Green Elections

Green elections refer to the practice of conducting electoral processes in an environmentally sustainable manner. This involves minimising the ecological footprint of elections by adopting eco-friendly practices at every stage—from campaign materials, rallies, and polling operations to voter transportation. The goal is to reduce waste, lower carbon emissions, and promote sustainability, ensuring that the democratic process does not contribute negatively to the environmental crisis.

Sources of Carbon Emissions in Elections

• Primary Source: Transportation of voters and election logistics are the main contributors to carbon emissions during elections.
• Secondary Source: Operations at polling booths, including energy consumption, also add to the carbon footprint.

Challenges in Implementing Green Elections

• Technological Barriers: Transitioning to electronic and digital voting systems requires robust infrastructure and security measures to prevent fraud.
• Financial Hurdles: Initial costs for sustainable materials and technology may be high, posing challenges for financially constrained governments.
• Behavioural and Cultural Resistance: Changing traditional voting practices and overcoming scepticism towards digital voting methods are significant challenges.

Examples of Green Election Practices

Kerala, India (2019 General Election)

• Initiative: Political parties were urged to avoid single-use plastic materials for campaigning.
• Action: The Kerala High Court banned flex and non-biodegradable materials in electioneering, promoting wall graffiti and paper posters as alternatives.
• Outcome: Government and district administrations collaborated to ensure eco-friendly election practices, including training sessions for election workers on sustainable methods.

Sri Lanka (2019 Election Campaign)

• Initiative: Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) party launched a carbon-sensitive campaign.
• Action: Carbon emissions from campaign vehicles and electricity use were measured and offset by planting trees in each district, involving public participation.
• Outcome: This approach not only compensated for the campaign’s carbon footprint but also raised awareness about the importance of forest cover.

Estonia (Digital Voting)

• Initiative: Estonia introduced digital voting as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional voting methods.
• Action: Online voting reduced the need for transportation and paper-based materials, lowering the election’s carbon footprint.
• Outcome: Digital voting encouraged higher voter participation while showcasing an effective model of secure and sustainable electoral practice.

We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to Join

Strategies for Implementing Green Elections

• Legislative Support: Enactment of laws that mandate eco-friendly electoral practices, ensuring these practices are integrated into the electoral system’s legal framework.
• Promotion of Digital Campaigning: Encouragement of digital and social media campaigns over physical rallies and printed materials, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with large public gatherings and the production of campaign materials.
• Use of Sustainable Materials: Transition to using materials that are biodegradable or recyclable for banners, posters, and other campaign paraphernalia, supporting local artisans and sustainable industries.
• Expansion of Digital Voting: Implementing secure online voting systems to reduce the need for physical travel and paper ballots, complemented by comprehensive training for officials and accessible voter education programs.
• Civil Society and Media Role: Civil society organisations can promote awareness and advocate for green elections, while the media can highlight the importance and benefits of adopting eco-friendly election practices, ensuring public support and accountability.

Sharing is caring!