Studying ‘voterology’ is key to preserving democratic process: Lokayukta official

Voters and electoral sentiments should be studied not merely as a part of political science, but as a means to ensure good governance and world peace, V. Ramaraj, member, Tamil Nadu Lokayukta, said in Tiruchi on Saturday.

Speaking at a seminar on ‘Why should ‘Voterology’ be taught as a separate discipline?’ held at Government Law College in Tiruchi, Mr. Ramaraj said: “Voterology is learning and research related to votes, voters, and elections. Voterologism aims to create awareness among voters, protect true democracy, and pave the way for good governance and world peace.”

Mr. Ramaraj coined the terms ‘Voterology’ and ‘Voterologism’ in 1996 and formulated the principles for them.

Voterology aims to shift from merely casting votes in elections to ‘informed voting’. By establishing electoral studies as a separate discipline, a clean and transparent electoral environment is possible, fostering free and fair elections through well-informed citizens, Mr. Ramaraj added.

In his special address, P. Sakthivel, head of the Department of Political Science at Annamalai University, said that while political science often centres on parties, ideology, or state structures, Voterology posits that the voter is the most crucial, yet under-researched, component of a democracy. Voterologism places the voter’s rights, actions, and will at the centre of the political universe, focusing on the quality of the vote rather than just the result.

Central Zone Inspector General of Police, V. Balakrishnan launched the website of the International Institute of Voterology (voterology.in) during the seminar. He expressed confidence that ‘Voterology’ would be taught as a subject in schools, colleges, and universities in the future.

P. Ramajayam, assistant professor, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, Bharathidasan University, and R. Raja, assistant professor, Government Law College, were the resource persons.