On the edge of History

In a little more than a month, the world will witness an exercise in democracy that is nothing short of a miracle. As the planet's second largest population moves to elect its 15th Parliament in its 62nd year of independence, the world will be waiting with breath that is baited. India, with its 1 billion people, a $3.319 trillion GDP, 7.3% growth rate, 600 million strong labour force and with median age 25, one of the youngest societies in the world, will cast its ballot and surge ahead in this century which undoubtedly it is destined to rule. Yes, these are the factors that will help India secure its rightful place on the world stage. While other factors may still hold some sway domestically, it is all about the economy and geo political power internationally and both the nation and the world will be paying close attention.

What makes this election so different from the others? One of the positive side effects of a young educated ballot is the abundance of optimism and expectations among the voters. India's youth today is not content sitting on the sidelines harbouring a cynical and complacent attitude towards politics and its leaders (something which the older generation is often accused of). At the very minimum, they are raring to get their vote out. And at very best, they want to jump in and change the system from within. This is reflected in the increase in the number of MPs under 40 over the last few years, as well as young candidates fielded for this election. Another reflection of the youth's commitment to positive change is mirrored in the stupendous increase in voter turnout in recent electoral exercises for e.g. six assembly elections concluded in 2008. A high voter turnout means that politicians can expect re-election awards for good governance (Delhi, MP and Chattisgarh) and a sacking if they do not deliver the goods (Rajasthan, J&K and Mizoram). A real sense of accountability is entering Indian politics courtesy of the young generation.

Leading newspapers and channels have entered election mode and prepare maniacally to ensure that this election will be covered most exhaustively. The young age of both voters and candidates also brings powerful new social media tools into play. As observed in the Obama mania, political parties are realising and unleashing the power of Internet in India as well. With major parties launching websites, if not blogs even, India is witnessing a new age of campaigning. Deep penetration of and cheap access to such media forums (90 million Internet users, 300 million mobile and TV owners) ensures the nation getting unprecedented exposure to these elections. Politics is speaking in the language of the youth and they are listening as they decide whom to stake their next 5 years of future with.

India has come a long way from a stagnant and closed economy to a liberal and dynamic one. From being a nuclear pariah to an exclusive member of the N-club. From the South Asia circle to the G-20 round table. In a recently concluded survey, the 3 biggest concerns of the youth in India were found to be: the Economy, transparent and accountable Governance and global power and security for the nation. This is a generation which has declared country and its growth to be first and above everything else. Political parties will need well suited manifestos and the ability to deliver them if they are to make any head way with this youth. As our villages look towards our cities and our cities towards the world, domestic politics in India cannot be held captive forever by religious and caste issues and this election will heavily influence our long term future. No wonder then, that it is generating such buzz and attention.

Globally as well, this exercise is being watched keenly. A new administration sits in the White House and the right government in New Delhi could watch Indo-US relations enter another prosperous era. With neighbouring nations fast falling apart, India seems to be the only stable country in South Asia with good prospects. A counter balance to China's power in the region is required and India cannot match its might alone. It will require military support from the west in forms of both weaponry and intelligence if it is to protect its borders against neighbors in rogue hands. The west will also need India more than ever as its biggest ally in the war against terror, Pakistan, tethers on the edge of meltdown.

Much of India's nuclear power business depends on the goodwill of the western nations, specifically the US. With the future of the IPI pipeline not looking very bright, India will need more nuclear energy to fuel its economy for the growth and development it so desires. The west understands that it will have to continue to fight and sometimes concede to India and its G-20 compatriots at the WTO and other economic summits. Greenhouse emissions, unfair trade tariffs and the protectionism extended to western farmers just being some bones of contention. However these differences do not necessarily stand in the way of strong economic and military alliances between civilised and progressive societies.

This election will decide how India fares in the long term socially, economically and politically. The right result can provide the country with the continuous movement required on this path of ascendancy and prosperity. The new world will not be uni/bi-polar in terms of power. Indeed even the US is not naive enough to think that its dominance will continue forever. It will remain as one of many powers of the world, one of which can be and must be India. These elections are the first steps towards a rising and empowered nation. India is about to embark on a journey of a lifetime and it is therefore imperative that the nation exercises its right to vote in this historic moment with great care and with a sense of responsibility towards its future.