About

Governance Innovation Labs is dedicated to improving political representation and enhancing democracy. We believe that true democracy can only be achieved when every voice is heard and represented accurately in the political process. The current system is not truly democratic as there is a huge gap in representation which undermines the very foundation of democracy. We are committed to develop innovative policy recommendations to improve political representation. By researching and incorporating the best practices from around the world, we aim to propose solutions that will make our democratic system more inclusive, responsive, and effective. Through our articles and discussions, we hope to inspire change and foster a more representative political landscape.

5 Reasons why we must vote for Party and not just for the candidate!

~A research project by Governance Innovation Labs

Voting for a party rather than just an individual candidate can have significant implications for governance, policy-making, and the overall political landscape. Here are five compelling reasons to consider party affiliation when casting your vote:

1. Policy Consistency and Implementation
Political parties provide a cohesive and consistent set of policies. When voters support a party, they are endorsing a comprehensive agenda that has been carefully developed to address various issues comprehensively. Individual candidates, no matter how appealing, might not have the same capability of implementation of the policy solutions. According to the study of Barberá (2010), the elections are for the purpose of selecting public policies that will be implemented, with the candidates being in charge of the process. So, parties are instrumental in ensuring that a unified policy agenda is followed across different regions, leading to more effective and coordinated governance. Also, concluded by Pedersen that voters’ preferences can shift based on policy information, indicating that understanding a candidate’s policy stance is crucial for making informed decisions.

2. Teamwork and collective expertise
Political parties are composed of individuals with diverse expertise and backgrounds, working together as a team. This collective expertise ensures that complex issues are tackled from multiple perspectives, leading to more robust and effective solutions. Voters generally value the structured selection processes within parties, which typically involve choosing candidates based on merit and expertise. This process ensures that party representatives are well-qualified and capable of addressing complex policy issues. The collaborative nature of parties means that diverse skills and knowledge are pooled together, enhancing the overall quality of governance.

3. Accountability and Responsibility
Voting for a party ensures that the ideologies, which align with an individual’s beliefs, are consistently implemented. Parties usually have comprehensive ideologies, which takes time to evolve. Individual candidates might have personal views that diverge from the party line, leading to inconsistencies in policy implementation. Thus voting for a party ensures collective responsibility. If a party fails to deliver on its promises, the entire organization is held accountable, rather than just an individual. The research of Barberá (2010) also highlights that voters face a trade-off between selecting the most competent or charismatic candidates and aligning their vote with their ideological preferences. According to research by the Pew Research Center, voters are consistent and often align with parties that reflect their own ideological leanings, which helps in maintaining policy consistency across different branches of government.

4. Stability and Governance
Parties tend to have long-term visions and strategies for societal change and development. Choosing a party over an individual candidate can reflect a commitment to endorsing a broader agenda and set of values that transcend immediate electoral cycles. This long-term orientation promotes stability in governance by encouraging policies that address systemic challenges and societal needs over time. Parties contribute to political stability by providing structured governance. They create a stable environment where policies can be debated, refined, and implemented effectively. This stability is crucial for long-term development and societal progress. The article by Endre Borbáth suggests that voters’ ability to hold parties accountable, significantly influences the dynamics of political stability.

5. Representation and Inclusivity
Parties are more likely to represent a broader spectrum of society. By supporting a party, voters contribute to the election of candidates who represent different demographic, and ideological perspectives. This diversity enriches policy discussions, enhances legislative effectiveness, and ensures that governance reflects the diversity of the electorate. This inclusivity is less likely to be achieved by individual candidates who may only represent a narrow constituency. Schwenk (2023) explores how voters respond to candidate characteristics, specifically parental background, occupation, and gender. So, to avoid being misled by potentially superficial background characteristics, voters might benefit from prioritizing party policies and platforms over individual candidate traits when making electoral choices.

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Strategies to improve Political Representation in a Democracy

~A research project by Governance Innovation Labs

In our rapidly changing world, it is essential that our democratic systems evolve to better represent the diversity of the people. This brochure explores four key recommendations to enhance political representation: Choose, Know, Be, and Match the Candidate. By implementing these strategies, we can build a more inclusive and participatory democracy.

Brochure for improving political representation in Democracy

A. Choose the Candidate

Focus:
Democratizing of Candidate Selection Process

Recommendation:

A.1. Internal Party Selection and Public Involvement

• A.1.1. Engage party members at all levels, particularly the grassroots, in voting or
  providing input for shortlisted candidates.
• A.1.2. Implement public polling to choose candidates for parties, encouraging broader public engagement.

A.2. Media-Facilitated Selection

• A.2.1: Public voting via media platforms to conduct public voting for party candidates
• A.2.2: Non-Party specific public voting for candidates irrespective of party affiliation

A.3. NGO-Facilitated Selection

• A.3.1: NGOs to facilitate public voting for selecting candidates, within the party
• A.3.2: Voting conducted by NGOs for representatives irrespective of party affiliation

Rationale:
Broader participation ensures that candidate selection is not limited to a few elite politicians and encourages diverse and representative candidates. With public support these processes will enable deserving candidates to be on the ballot to represent the political party. This approach democratizes the candidate selection process and empowers individuals at the grassroots level, making politics more accessible and reflective of the community’s diversity.

Application:

• The UK Labour Party allows local members to vote on parliamentary candidates.
• The Indian National Congress has involved grassroots members in the selection process, which allowed local party members to have a say in nominating candidates for elections.
• The Aam Aadmi Party in India has experimented with public nomination forms where the public could suggest potential candidates.
• In Brazil, the NGO Movimento Voto Consciente (Conscious Vote Movement) promotes political education and engages the public in voting for candidates who align with their values.
• In South Korea, and USA, debates on television and media coverage play a significant role in the presidential primaries, where public opinion heavily influences candidate selection.

B. Know the Candidate

Focus:
Complete transparency about background information of candidates

Recommendation:
B.1 The Election Commission should release unbiased, comprehensive introduction videos for candidates, covering their personal, academic, professional and political backgrounds.

B2. Ensure candidates, and parties make their ideologies, and prioritized issues, public to help voters make informed decisions.

Rationale:
Transparency helps voters make informed decisions. It builds trust and credibility in the democratic process. When voters have access to comprehensive and unbiased information about candidates, they can make choices that better align with their values and ideologies. This transparency also holds candidates accountable, as they must publicly stand by their platforms and past actions, thus reducing the likelihood of misinformation and enhancing the overall integrity of the electoral process.

Application:

• In Taiwan, the Central Election Commission publishes detailed information about each candidate.
• Political parties in Germany publish manifestos outlining their ideologies and policies.
• A new app, called Voter, promises to bring clarity to the task of choosing the best political candidate for you, based on the issues and your own beliefs.
• EU&I2024 is a voter advice application, which poses questions to users about their political views and the app registers answers and informs users of which party or candidate in their country would best represent their political views in the European Parliament.

C. Be the Candidate

Issue:
Encouraging New and Diverse Candidates

Recommendation:
C.1: Simplify the process for new candidates from diverse backgrounds to enter politics.
C.2: Use online platforms for candidate registration, fundraising, and voter communication.
C.3: Create opportunities for candidates to directly pitch themselves to voters, ensuring authenticity and personal engagement.

Rationale:
Making the entry process more accessible fosters youth participation and diverse representation in politics. Simplifying the process thus reduces barriers to entry, encouraging more individuals, especially those from underrepresented groups, to consider running for elections. This diversification is crucial for a healthy democracy, as it ensures that a variety of perspectives are included in decision-making processes, leading to more comprehensive and representative policies.

Application:

• Canada’s Liberal Party’s “Open Nominations” initiative attracts candidates from diverse backgrounds.
• Estonia’s i-Voting system streamlines candidate registration and campaign activities.

D. Match the Candidate

Focus:
Ideological Transparency and Voter Engagement

Recommendation:
D.1:Ensure candidates publicly state their ideologies and prioritized issues.
D.2: Develop digital platforms and apps that enable voters to relate to candidates, participate in live-streamed debates, and match ideologies.

Rationale:
Clear communication of ideologies helps voters align with candidates who represent their values and enhances political engagement. By understanding where candidates stand on key issues, voters can make more informed choices that reflect their own beliefs and priorities. Digital platforms and live debates further enhance engagement by providing interactive and accessible means for voters to connect with candidates, fostering a more dynamic and participatory electoral process.

Examples:

• In the US, political candidates often publish detailed policy plans and ideological statements on their official websites.
• New Zealand’s “On the Fence” app helps voters compare their views with party policies.

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Identifying Ideal Election Candidates

~A research project by Governance Innovation Labs

According to a study of ICPSR, voters judge candidates by their personal characteristics such as the experience, honesty, morality, compassion, competence, and leadership ability of the candidates. Based on research by Miller and Shanks(1996), voters form images of the personal qualities and abilities of the candidates, and these influence the vote. Perception of candidates depends on the following characteristics:

1. Personal Attributes and Competence:

• Integrity and Honesty: Voters prioritize candidates who exhibit honesty and integrity, as these traits build trust and credibility.
• Competence: Knowledge and expertise in relevant areas, along with a track record of competence, are highly valued by voters. Voters are hardly likely to vote for someone whom they feel lacks the experience and ability to handle the job of president.
• Leadership Skills: Effective leadership and the ability to inspire people are crucial for an ideal candidate.

2. Alignment with Public Ideologies:

• Party Affiliation: Voters often use party affiliation as a shortcut to assess a candidate’s stance on key issues. An ideal candidate consistently demonstrates a commitment to the party’s principles, enhancing voter trust and reliability.

3. Communication Skills:

• Clarity and Persuasiveness: The ability to clearly communicate ideas and persuade the electorate is a significant factor in a candidate’s appeal. Demonstrating empathy and understanding voter concerns can strengthen a candidate’s connection with the public.

4. Strategic Quality:

Candidate quality is critical for competitive elections. The study by W.J.Stone, he redefines candidate quality by introducing strategic dimension along with personal characteristics. Strategic quality encompasses the skills and resources necessary for an effective campaign, such as prior office-holding experience. The research suggests that strategic quality is crucial to gain recognition and compete effectively.

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Roadmap for Policy Implementation

~ A research project by Governance Innovation Labs

Having a roadmap for policy implementation is crucial to provide a clear plan of action to make the political system and its representation truly democratic. Here, we outline four strategies: Choose, Know, Be and Match the candidate, aimed at improving democratic representation.

CHOOSE THE CANDIDATE

Objective: To democratize the candidate selection process

Develop platforms:

• Create digital platforms for party members to vote or provide input on shortlisted candidates.
• Media and NGOs providing platforms for public voting for choosing candidates within the party and also for choosing candidates irrespective of the party.

Engage grassroots:

• Encouraging active participation from community members by conducting workshops and discussing the importance of inclusive candidate selection
• Organizing local meetings to discuss candidate options.

KNOW THE CANDIDATE

Objective: Enhancing transparency and encourage informed voting

Information disclosure:

• Using official platforms, such as by the Election Commission to publish introduction videos of every candidate with their detailed personal, academic, professional and political backgrounds.

Public platforms:

• Develop and maintain online portals for candidates to share their ideological and policy priorities ensuring easy accessibility of the information

BE THE CANDIDATE

Objective: Encourage participation of enthusiastic individuals in politics

Simplifying entry process:

• Create user-friendly online platforms for easy and hassle-free candidate registration
• Ensure efficient and effective methods, with clear legal and procedural requirements for new candidates

Support and Training:

• Mandating training programs for aspiring candidates, especially from marginalized communities
• Providing a toolkit with detailed roadmap for the candidate
• Providing financial support to aspiring candidates in need

Mentorship programs:

• Mentorship programs connecting new candidates with experienced politicians can help the candidates build network and gain support

Individual preparation:

• The candidate must prioritize an issue they want to work on and be prepared with the details on how they want to implement them.
• They can educate themselves through various courses available, which focus on leadership, management, politics and democracy.

MATCH THE CANDIDATE

Objective: Align the voter ideologies with the candidates and the party

Digital engagement platforms:

• Develop apps and websites where voters can compare and match their ideologies with those of the candidate.
• Organization of live-streamed debates and interviews to foster direct public engagement

Public ideological statements:

• Candidates must publicly declare their ideologies and they key issues they will take up when in power
• Regularly update and verify these statements to ensure their action is in accordance with their ideologies.

By following the roadmap we can work towards a more inclusive, transparent, and representative democratic process.

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Roadmap To Be The Candidate

~ A research project by Governance Innovation Labs

Entering politics as a candidate involves several key steps and strategic planning.

• MOTIVATION AND GOALS:

Before one starts their journey in politics it is helpful to be aware of the issues and causes they are passionate about and aim to resolve them. There should be clarity regarding short and long term political goals. Setting goals helps to motivate the candidate to stay focused on the political journey.

• EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE BUILDING:

Though there is no higher educational requirement to be a candidate, one must have a deep understanding of politics, government, and public policy. One can pursue a degree in Political Science, Economics, or Public Administration to have a better idea about governance. There are various courses which focus on leadership and management, politics and democracy, Governance and public policy. There are courses and workshops about Election Campaign Management that one can enroll in. There is also a seven-day leadership program for elected women representatives selected from across India. ​

• GATHER EXPERIENCE:

Getting involved at the grassroot level or in local politics. One can start being involved in community initiatives like volunteering for a political party or doing an internship in political offices. These kinds of hands-on experience will not only add to experience as a candidate but will also build character and help in developing skills like problem solving, public speaking, negotiation skills and putting forward vision and ideas clearly.

• BUILD A NETWORK:

Building a network is very necessary in politics. Starting with local community leaders, and activists, by attending local events and participating in community groups or charities. Volunteering and campaigning for politicians can help build a network to understand the ins and outs of politics and gain insight into the life of a politician. Also, if someone offers to be a mentor it can be a huge breakthrough in their political career.

• DEVELOP A PLAN:

Being clear about the issues which the candidates want to focus on based on their values and needs of their community can help them move forward. Developing a clear and compelling structure that can communicate their visions and goals is very important before they commit to it. One should be resilient in their pursuit of the plan no matter the challenges and setbacks.

• PREPARE FOR CAMPAIGN:

Learning about campaign financing and starting fundraising early, by seeking donations from individuals, businesses, or political action committees(PACs). A team of advisors, campaign managers, volunteers, and marketing strategists can help with launching a successful campaign. It is important to monitor progress and adjust accordingly.

• LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:

Researching about the eligibility criteria for the particular post, maintaining deadlines and filing paper works needed to be the candidate. Some of the criterias is that a convicted person cannot contest the election. The minimum age for becoming a candidate in Lok Sabha or Vidhan Sabha election is Twenty Five Years of age.

• ENGAGE WITH COMMUNITY:

To stand out from other candidates, one should engage with the community as much as possible. Listening to the public, catering to their needs if within the candidate’s capability really sets one apart. Meeting the voters face-to-face can gather support from them. Other than that, engaging in media debates, interviews and public forums also generate publicity. Using social media to reach a wider audience and engaging with online voters is also valuable.

Starting a political career can be hectic but also rewarding in many ways. It is a golden opportunity for those who aim to implement a change in the World. Being a public figure one should keep in mind that they are representing the public and should keep their problems in mind. The candidate should not lose the purpose, values and visions in the process of the challenging journey.

REFERENCES:

https://www.thehindu.com/education/basics-of-a-career-in-politics/article67671147.ece

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-a-politician

https://www.mindler.com/blog/how-to-become-a-politician-in-india/

https://www.mea.gov.in/Uploads/PublicationDocs/19169_Frequently_Asked_Questions_16-03-2009.pdf

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Why Candidate Selection is not Truly Democratic

~A research project by Governance Innovation Labs

Candidate selection in democratic systems, while aiming to reflect popular will, often faces significant challenges that undermine its democratic ideals.

• Centralized candidate selection:

Indian political parties have centralized organizations that decide on the selection of candidates . This process generally ignores the opinions of party members at all levels, particularly the grassroots, in voting or providing input for shortlisted candidates. Since the political parties often control the nomination process, the general public has little say on the candidates that are presented for election. This lack of consideration of public opinion in choosing the candidate can lead to candidates being chosen based on party loyalty or internal politics rather than merit.

In the article by Magesan, Szabo, and Ujhelyi, they have highlighted that although both the INC and the BJP have formal consultation procedures that involve local party organizations in the candidate selection process, in practice decisions are ultimately made by the central committee of each party.

• Political Dynasties:

There is an existing trend of family members entering politics based on their relatives’ political influence or as a legacy in the family. Family successors in politics can only be successful if they are deserving of the position rather than a right coming with their family name. If the candidate lacks proper political and social work experience, this can lead to a lack of fresh perspectives and concentrate the power within a small, elite group.

According to Bhat, in a democratic country like India, political dynasties are very prominent and deeply rooted. This impacts democracy as this creates an unequal playing field in favor of the dynasts. This discourages new, potentially more meritorious candidates from entering politics. Persistent rule by a particular family can reduce accountability and perpetuate elitism.

In Indian politics, the Nehru-Gandhi family of Congress has been a prominent political family legacy. However, political families, whether national or state, are present in almost all political parties.

• Influence of Wealthy Individuals:

Many of India’s richest individuals have political backgrounds or significant political influence. The close relationship between business and politics in India often means that business interests can overshadow public interest in candidate selection. Wealthy businessmen with political connections use their influence to secure nominations and political positions, prioritizing their business interests over democratic ideals​. This includes prominent figures like Nakul Nath, Abhishek Singhvi, and Jyotiraditya Scindia, who possess substantial wealth and resources. Their financial power can heavily influence candidate selection, making it challenging for ordinary citizens without such resources to compete fairly​.

The Conversation has highlighted how the presence of billionaires in politics has deteriorated the state of the nation. Various crises like unemployment of youth, lack of basic infrastructure, decline of industry, have shown that just because the candidates are “business friendly” doesn’t necessarily mean that “development” is taking place.

• Lack of Real-Time performance Feedback:

There is absence of any structured system for regular feedback on the performance of elected officials that reaches them so they can implement the required changes. Voters typically are heard during campaigns just before elections which is much inconvenient. Politicians should be held accountable for their actions throughout their tenure. There should be a website for feedback of not only each minister and local politicians, but also the policies they are implementing.

In a study by Brito, they studied the correlation between the performances of politicians on social media for more than 65000 posts over 300 days before elections, and electoral results. The results demonstrated strong correlations between the engagement per post and the votes received. So, an organized platform can not only help voters make informed decisions but even parties can claim transparency with voters.

In 2014 BJP had launched a website www.jansamvad2014.in to get feedback from the people. But now the website is no longer accessible.

• Inadequate Formal Training:

In many occupations it is required to undergo a training period before handling the job, and for a politician who plays such a crucial role as a public representative, it should be an utter necessity. Political decisions affect the society, economy and international relations which in turn affect a lot of individuals. So, an individual should be expert and competent in this field. The Election Commission must conduct training programs for the candidates involved in the election procedure. There is a need for comprehensive resources and training equipment for individuals interested in entering politics. Mentorship programs, where newcomers are guided by mentors and successful politicians, could help them bridge the gap.

• Need for a Political Toolkit:

There is a growing need and recognition for a comprehensive toolkit to guide the political candidates and which includes training in leadership, ethics, governance, and public engagement. The Election Commission of India needs to take up the crucial role and provide an authorized toolkit providing all the necessary resources and guidelines. The toolkit can contain various components such as:

• Leadership Training: Enhancing decision making skills, conflict resolution and public speaking
• Guidelines: How to pitch to political parties that the candidates relate with and gain their support.
• Ethics and Governance: Maintenance of transparency and accountability
• Public Engagement: Learning to involve the public and interacting with media
• Policy and Administration: Training in policy analysis and public administration
• Voter Awareness: To inform the voters about their rights.
• Some of the toolkits that are available online are by International IDEA, RNAO, and LGA.

REFERENCES:

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/dynastic-politics-do-family-members-have-a-clear-advantage/articleshow/32921280.cms?from=mdr

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/website-on-peoples-feedback-a-huge-hit-claims-bjp/articleshow/22101821.cms?from=mdr

https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2023/08/the-need-of-political-training-for-leaders

https://thediplomat.com/2024/05/how-big-money-finances-indian-politics

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/electoral-bonds-biggest-scam-ever-in-the-country/article68091579.ece

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Academic Papers on Issues of Political Representation

Here is a curated list of academic papers, and their key points, on issues of political representation

On Political Representation(1999)- Geoffrey Brennan and Alan Hamlin:

• Puts forward three propositions: Individuals differ, in terms of their capacity for ‘civic virtue’. The extent to which persons are virtuous is detectable by others. And that voters have a systematic tendency to express support for candidates who are perceived as having more civic virtue.
• Representation is conceptualized not in statistical terms but through the selection of representatives who exhibit competence and virtue, characteristics that are attractive to voters and lead to public-interested political outcomes.
• The article suggests a shift towards a more general and heterogeneous account of individual motivation, alongside expressive voting, to support representative democracy.

Beyond representativeness? Trends in political representation(2003) — Rudy B. Andeweg

• Due to the erosion of representation as ‘standing for,’ there is a need to revive the concept of representation as ‘acting for.’
• The paper develops a new two-dimensional repertoire of modes of political representation. Representation is viewed as a relationship between the citizen (principal) and the representative (agent), defined by its direction (from below or from above) and the moment of its creation (ex ante or ex post).
• The paper argues that uncertainty about citizen preferences and the transformation of representatives (political parties) into parastatal agents push towards representation from above. Additionally, the unpredictability of the political agenda and Europeanization push towards representation ex post.
• If political representation is becoming increasingly ex alto (from above) and ex post (after the fact), it raises new questions about constitutional design. The parliamentary system of government, common in Europe, relies more on ex ante (before the fact) than ex post controls. The shift towards ex alto/ex post representation without better mechanisms for accountability could blur the line between elitist democracy and oligarchy.
• The paper highlights the need for more and better mechanisms for ex post accountability to prevent the blurring of democracy and oligarchy. Most current political reform proposals, except for measures like the abrogative referendum or popular veto, do not address this need.

What Are the Effects of Educational Mobility on Political Interest and Participation in the Indian Electorate(2012) -Reetika Syal:

• Links educational mobility to increased political interest and participation, suggesting it contributes to the democratic upsurge.
• There is a strong correlation between the literacy of parents and the likelihood of their children being literate. For instance, if the father is literate, there is a significantly higher chance (92.7%) of the respondent being literate compared to if the father is illiterate (51.2%). Both parents’ education levels significantly affect a child’s education. If both parents are literate, the likelihood of the child being literate is 96.5%. This supports the argument that higher parental education positively impacts children’s educational outcomes.
• Literate individuals are more likely to have an interest in politics, which translates into greater participation in election-related activities. This is supported by data showing a higher likelihood of political interest among literate respondents.
• Increasing access to educational opportunities in India is likely to produce well-educated and informed citizens capable of making thoughtful political choices. Education can help overcome socioeconomic constraints and enable active political participation.
• Despite the positive impact of education, demographic factors like caste, class, gender, income, and locality continue to influence political interest and participation in India. Education alone may not eliminate these barriers but can help mitigate them.
• Education can instill a sense of responsibility in citizens, encouraging them to exercise political choices and demand accountability from government representatives. This can strengthen political consciousness across all sectors of society.
• Education has the potential to uplift the lower segments of the population and enhance their political engagement, contributing to a more inclusive and representative democracy in India.

Political representation in India: Enlarging the perspective(2016) — Stéphanie Tawa Lama-Rewal

• Recent democratic theory has seen a renewed interest in political representation, emerging after a focus on participation and deliberation. This shift is partly due to a perceived “crisis of representation,” marked by low electoral participation, declining political party membership, and diminished trust in the political system.
• Theoretical works have broadened the concept of representation, emphasizing its dynamic nature and performative aspects. Key contributions include:

Michael Saward’s concept of the “representative claim,” viewing representation as a dynamic process and a performance.

Iris Marion Young’s recognition that representation is inherent in participatory politics.

Nadia Urbinati and Mark Warren’s focus on the multiplication of representational practices beyond electoral venues.

Jane Mansbridge’s systemic approach to representation, considering both elected and non-elected representatives.

• In India, the concept of a “crisis of representation” is less evident. Electoral participation has increased, especially among the socially underprivileged, challenging the notion of declining political engagement. The rise of new political parties like the Aam Aadmi Party and movements such as Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption campaign reflect ongoing political mobilization and a belief in democratic reform.

The Limits of Political Representation(2016)- Howard Schweber:

• Representation as a political concept inherently involves limitations, starting with the boundaries of self-representation. The drawing of a representative map is legitimated by norms that justify both exclusion and inclusion. The evaluation of the norms and their realization forms the basis for normative challenges to the legitimacy of representation.
• Assessing representation requires considering the character of the asserted constituency, the relationship of authorization, and the legitimating principles involved in the construction of the representative map.
• Political representation involves a relationship among actors capable of engaging in authorization in accordance with representative map norms. Activities of representatives include advocacy, deliberation, accountability mechanisms, or mediation in formal or informal settings.
• The limits of political representation exclude activities or relationships beyond its boundaries. Representation is inherently normative, implicating standards for legitimation and legitimacy as bases for contestation, critique, or analysis.
• The article frames the normative inquiry without resolving it, noting that representation is not necessarily the highest or an unqualified good. Instances may arise, such as “authoritarian environmentalism,” where the intrinsic value may outweigh the contingent value of democratic self-rule. These questions extend beyond the article’s inquiry.

Political Representation in Indian Democracy: A View from the Margins(2019) — Ishita Mehrotra

• The article highlights contemporary challenges to democracy such as authoritarianism, extreme polarization, and growing economic and social inequalities. The main arguments are:
• Democratic institutions and processes have been captured by elite forces
• There has been a widening of democracy given the increasing number of representatives across stakeholders, such as caste, class and gender; this, however, has neither deepened democratic functions nor ensured effective representation.
• Dalit women associate with politics and with their representatives through the lens of caste, class and gender.
• Dalit women do not speak the language of formal institutional politics. Their understanding of representatives and politics is drawn from their everyday experiences and observations. Their political participation is limited by a patriarchal ideology. Nonetheless, dalit women, mostly agricultural laborers, are politically conscious, and they are aware of their marginalization and of their exploitation. Their politics has to do with issues of wages, availability of agricultural employment, public healthcare and school facilities, accessing public schemes and resources and so on.

A Crisis of Representation: Interests, Identities and Politics(2019) — Vidhu verma:

• Examines the context of political representation for marginalized groups in India, particularly focusing on the Dalit community. Justifications for reservations must be contextualized within historical and contemporary forms of discrimination. There is a need to distinguish between inequalities arising from the market and those from the caste structure.
• Social media and the internet increase political engagement and challenge traditional representative government by leveling the playing field among amateurs and experts.
• Encourages marginalized groups to borrow ideas from global digital movements to innovate and enhance representative democracy. The Dalit movement and other disadvantaged groups could adopt the internet-based movement slogan ‘participate but do not delegate,’ emphasizing active citizen intervention in managing public goods.
• Need to address the lack of solidarity and intersectional approaches in civil society activism to advance social justice policies effectively.

Political Representation(2021) — Suzanne Dovi:

• Discusses different forms of Representation, (Formalistic Representation: which focuses on the procedures for authorizing representatives and holding them accountable, Symbolic Representation: Concerns the ways a representative stands for the represented, invoking responses from the represented based on acceptance​​, Descriptive Representation: Examines the resemblance between the representative and the represented, focusing on shared characteristics and experiences​​. Substantive Representation: Involves the actions taken by representatives to advance the policy preferences and interests of their constituents​​.

The power of political representation(2023) — Lawrence Hamilton, Monica Brito Vieira, Lisa Disch, Lasse Thomassen, Nadia Urbinati:

• A critical element of a non-elitist theory of democracy is the agency of the represented. Mobilization through representation should turn the represented into active participants in public life, ensuring that representation is meaningful and empowering​​.
• It discusses the importance of political parties as primary agents of partisan association and value polarization. It critiques the common belief that partisan sorting and political gridlock are due to voter incompetence or misinformation. Instead, it argues that citizens care about the processes by which disagreements are settled, suggesting that normative values implied in compromise processes may be socialized independently of politics​​.
• It emphasizes the need for democratic representation to account for conflicts and disagreements within society. It argues that representative democracy should foster reflexivity and judgment among citizens to protect them from elite manipulation​​.
• Disch introduces the concept of “constituency effects” to describe how acts of political representation solicit groups and constitute interests, rather than merely registering pre-existing social cleavages. This concept underscores the power of representation in shaping social and political identities​​.

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Best Practices for Selection of Candidates

~A research project by Governance Innovation Labs

To make the political system truly democratic, it is useful to identify the best practices around the globe to Choose, Know, Be and Match the candidate. By examining these practices, the general public can be more involved in selection of candidates which will help make political representation more democratic in nature.

1. Choose the Candidate:

1.a. Our Revolution: Encourages to take action at the grassroot levels of politics and encourages community engagement to support progressive candidates

1.b.1. Public Voting via Media: Gallup Polls, Pew Research Center, Quinnipiac University Poll, are some of the media platforms that conduct public polling.

1.b.2. Non-Party Specific Public Voting by Media: Reuters/Ipsos Poll, YouGov, and other Indian Media like Arunachal Times, have discussed this topic.

1.c.1. Public Voting via NGO: The Center for Responsive Politics (OpenSecrets), Movimento Voto Consciente (Conscious Vote Movement), promotes political education and engages the public in voting

1.c.2. Non-Party Specific Public Voting by NGO: PPIC(Public policy institute of California), Mzalendo, conduct these type of public voting

2. Know the Candidate:

2.a. Indian Political Action Committee or I-PAC, maintains a political portfolio of all the leaders in India, and their policies implemented.

2.b. In Taiwan, the Central Election Commission publishes detailed information about each candidate, including their political history and personal background, to help voters make informed decisions

2.c. In Germany, political parties are required to publish their manifestos, outlining their ideologies and policy priorities, which helps voters align with candidates who represent their values.

2.d. In the UK, the BBC is mandated to provide balanced coverage of all political candidates during election periods, ensuring fair representation and public scrutiny.

3. Be the Candidate:

3.a. She should run– aims to increase number of women in public leadership by encouraging diverse candidates

3.b. Run for something– supports young diverse progressives to run for local offices

3.c. Harvard’s Institute of Politics: provides training and resources for candidates, including mock interviews and behavioral assessments

3.d. In Canada, the Liberal Party’s “Open Nominations” initiative aimed to attract candidates from diverse backgrounds, increasing the representation of women and minorities.

3.e. Run for Office: Helps newcomers understand the requirements and steps to get on the ballot, offering a huge platform for prospective candidates.

4. Match the Candidate:

4.a. VoteMatch, NationBuilder are some websites which matches the candidates with voters who share similar values and policy priorities

4.b. In New Zealand, the “On the Fence” app helps voters compare their views with party policies, making it easier to identify candidates who align with their values.

4.c. ISideWith: Helps voters match their policy preferences with candidate positions in India.

REFERENCES

https://liberal.ca/liberal-opennomination-policy-brings-muchneeded-change/

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GILabs Policy Note: Improving Political Representation in Democracy

~ A research project by Governance Innovation Labs

OVERVIEW

Enhancing political representation requires reforms in how candidates are selected, how they communicate with voters, and how new candidates are encouraged to participate. This Policy Note recommended by GILabs explores practical recommendations to improve democratic representation through four main strategies: Choose, Know, Be, and Match the Candidate.

CURRENT ISSUES

Internal Party Selection and Public Involvement

• Limited Participation: Traditional internal party processes can exclude broader party membership and the general public.
• Bias and Elitism: Elite control over candidate selection may not reflect the electorate’s diversity.

Transparency and Candidate Information

• Inadequate Disclosure: Insufficient information about candidates’ backgrounds and ideologies hinders informed voting.

Encouraging New Candidates

• Complex Entry Process: The process for new candidates to enter politics is often complicated and inaccessible.
• Lack of Support: Aspiring candidates, especially from marginalized groups, lack adequate training and political toolkit.

Voter-Candidate Alignment

• Ideological Mismatch: Voters struggle to find candidates who align with their personal ideologies.

POLICY RECOMMENDATION

1. Choose the Candidates

Objective: Democratize the candidate selection process.

• Internal Party Selection: Engage grassroots members in voting on shortlisted candidates.
• Public Polling: Implement public nominations and polling to choose party candidates.
• Media-Facilitated Voting: Use media platforms to boost public participation in candidate selection.
• NGO-Facilitated Voting: Leverage NGOs’ public trust to conduct fair and transparent voting.

2. Know the Candidate

Objective: Enhance transparency and encourage informed voting.

• Comprehensive Candidate Profiles: Mandate the Election Commission to release unbiased introduction videos covering candidates’ personal and political backgrounds.
• Ideological Disclosure: Ensure candidates publicly declare their ideologies and prioritized issues.
• Unbiased Media Coverage: Promote fair and balanced media coverage of all candidates.

3. Be the Candidate

Objective: Encourage participation of enthusiastic individuals in politics.

• Simplify Entry Process: Create user-friendly online platforms for candidate registration.
• Support and Training: Provide training programs and financial support for new candidates.
• Direct Candidate Pitching: Enable candidates to present themselves authentically through various media.

4. Match the Candidate

Objective: Align voter ideologies with candidates and parties.

• Public Ideological Statements: Ensure candidates clearly state their ideologies and prioritized issues.
• Digital Engagement Platforms: Develop apps and websites for voters to compare and match their ideologies with those of the candidates.

CONCLUSION

The recommendations outlined in this Policy Note aim to democratize candidate selection, enhance transparency, and improve overall political representation. By implementing these strategies, we can build a more inclusive and participatory democratic system.