Women Participation in the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

Overview

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections marked a significant increase in women participation, with 800 female candidates contesting across 390 parliamentary constituencies. This is the highest number since the second general elections in 1957.

Trends in Women Candidacy

• The number of women candidates has been rising over the years: 
  • 372 in 2019 from 37 in 1957

Distribution of Women Candidates

• 167 constituencies had at least one woman candidate.
• Three constituencies had the highest number of women candidates at eight: Baramati, Secunderabad, and Warangal.

Election Outcomes for Women

• Of the 800 women candidates, only 74 won their seats.
• 629 women candidates lost their deposits.

Voter Participation

• Women voters again outnumbered men in 2024, continuing a trend from 2019.
• 65.78% of women voters cast their votes in 2024, compared to 65.55% men.
• Assam’s Dhubri seat recorded the highest female voter turnout at 92.17%, followed by Tamluk (West Bengal) at 87.57%.
• The number of female voters per 1,000 male voters reached a new high of 946, up from 926 in 2019.

Statistics

• Total registered women voters in 2024: 47.63 crore out of 97.97 crore electors.
• Comparable data for 1951 and 1971 is unavailable.
• In 2024, the number of constituencies without a female candidate was highest in UP (30), followed by Bihar (15) and Gujarat (14).

Global Election Landscape in 2024

The year 2024 marked the largest global election exercise, with elections taking place in over 70 countries, engaging almost half of the world's population. Prominent democracies such as India, the USA, and Indonesia, along with smaller nations like Tuvalu, participated in these electoral processes.

Challenges in the Electoral Process

The integrity of elections is crucial for political democracy, as emphasized by BR Ambedkar. However, several factors such as process glitches, misinformation, and violence threaten the electoral process. The Stockholm-based International IDEA's 2024 report indicates a decline in electoral credibility over the past five years due to decreasing voter turnout and other issues.

Voter Turnout and Trends

• The global voter turnout for the year averaged 61%.
• India has notably maintained a high turnout rate of 65%, with women participating at higher rates.
• Despite the overall decline in global voter interest, India recorded significant voter engagement in its recent elections.

Issues in Campaign Dynamics

Current election campaigns often involve misinformation and divisive rhetoric. Social media amplification, aided by artificial intelligence, poses additional challenges. The Election Commission of India emphasizes the need for campaigners to take responsibility for maintaining electoral integrity.

Political and Electoral Outcomes

• A growing reluctance among political candidates to accept electoral outcomes is noted, with 20% of elections challenged between 2020-2024.
• Instances such as the US Capitol riot highlight potential dangers when electoral results are contested.

India's Electoral Framework

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is pivotal in ensuring democratic integrity, having successfully conducted numerous elections with minimal need for re-polling. India's role in supporting electoral integrity globally is recognized, given its strong execution capabilities.

Democracy and Economic Stability

The 2024 Economics Nobel highlights the significance of democracy and fair elections in fostering prosperity. Amidst global challenges, countries like India continue to ensure effective voter representation, contributing to the stability and promise of democracy.