Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Shompan Tribal Group Votes for the First Time in Great Nicobar
Voting for Lok Sabha 2024 for the first time by the tribal group of Great Nicobar
Historic First for the Shompan Tribe
The Lok Sabha Elections of 2024 marked a significant milestone for the Shompan tribe, one of India's specially vulnerable tribal groups (PVTGs). For the first time, members of this remote tribe, residing in the dense tropical rainforests of Great Nicobar Island, participated in the election process by casting their votes in the Andaman and Nicobar Lok Sabha constituencies. This historic moment reflects a growing inclusivity and awareness of the democratic process in India's most remote regions.
Participation and Voting Rights
The Chief Electoral Officer of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, B.S. Jaglan, reported that seven members of the Shompan tribe exercised their franchise in the 2024 elections. According to the 2011 census, the estimated population of the Shompan tribe was 229, indicating a significant portion of the community participated in the voting process. This achievement is a testament to the efforts made to include all sections of society in the democratic process.
Special Voting Arrangements for the Shompan Tribe
To facilitate the Shompan tribe's participation, a special polling station (411), called 'Shompan Hat', was built inside the Forest Employees Quarter. The Election Commission of India provided additional support by deploying an interpreter, 'Mathius', a Nikobari tribal youth, to assist with language barriers. After casting their votes, the Shompan voters took selfies at a specified cut-out provided by the Election Commission with the caption "I must vote."
Election Details and Contenders
In the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a total of 12 candidates, including two women and five independents, contested for the sole Lok Sabha seat across 412 polling stations. The main competition was between Congress candidate and current MP Kuldeep Rai Sharma and BJP candidate Bishnu Pad Re. The inclusion of the Shompan tribe in this electoral process is a sign of evolving political participation in remote regions.
Participation of Other Tribal Groups
While the Shompan tribe participated for the first time in the 2024 elections, other tribal groups, such as the Onga and Great Andamani, had previously exercised their voting rights during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. In 2024, the Onga tribe witnessed an impressive 91 percent voter turnout in Dugong Creek (Chhoti Andaman Tehsil in South Andaman district). Similarly, Straight Island, home to the Great Andamani tribe, recorded a 100 percent turnout. This high participation rate underscores the growing engagement of tribal groups in the democratic process.
Demographic Overview of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The total number of voters in the Union Territory (UT) is 3,15148, comprising 1,64,012 male, 1,51,132 female, and four voters in the third-gender category. This diverse voter base includes 39 Great Andamani tribes of Straight Islands, 68 Ong tribes of Hat Bay, and 98 Shompan tribes of Great Nicobar Island. These figures reflect the inclusive nature of the electoral process in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Conclusion
The Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands demonstrate the inclusive spirit of India's democracy. The participation of the Shompan tribe for the first time is a historic achievement, symbolizing the broader engagement of tribal groups in the electoral process. The efforts to ensure the Shompan tribe's participation, along with the high voter turnout among other tribal groups, underscore the importance of creating inclusive voting environments.
