A seminar on the topic “Why should Voterology be taught as a separate discipline?” was held at the Government Law College, Trichy. Dr. V. Ramaraj, the current member of the Tamil Nadu Lokayukta, is the one who coined the terms Voterology ‘ and ‘Voterolism’ in 1996, defining them and formulating the necessary theories. We know foreigners as the fathers of many academic disciplines, including political science and sociology. However, it is a matter of pride for Tamil Nadu that Dr. V. Ramaraj, who introduced the subject of Voterology and the philosophy of Voterolism, is considered the father of Voterology, said Constituional Law Professor R. Raja, who presided over the seminar.
The discipline of political science emerged about 125 years ago when democratic forms of government began to spread in place of monarchies in countries around the world. Currently, monarchies have disappeared worldwide, and only democratic forms of government exist. However, it is not acceptable that the study of Voterology is merely a part of political science. Voterology is the learning and research related to votes, voters, and elections. Voterolism aims to create awareness among voters, protect true democracy, and pave the way for good governance and world peace, said Dr. V. Ramaraj, the member of the Tamil Nadu Lokayukta, who participated as the special guest.
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 “peaceful, free, and fair elections” through well-informed citizens, Dr. V. Ramaraj added.
Central Zone Inspector General of Police of Police V.Balakrishnan launched the website of the International Institute of Voterology (voterology.in). V. Balakrishnan emphasized that voterology should be introduced as a subject in schools, colleges, and universities.
Professor P. Sakthivel, Head of the Department of Political Science at Annamalai University, who delivered a special address at the seminar, stated that Voterology aims to transform the “voter” from a passive participant into an educated, “honorable” decision-maker who understands their role in nation-building. The study of voterology will reinforce democracy and result in effective governance and worldwide peace. 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. Dr. Ramaraj’s, “Voterologism,” places the voter’s rights, actions, and will at the center of the political universe, focusing on the quality of the vote rather than just the result.
Call to make voterology as independent academic discipline | Trichy News – The Times of India https://share.google/K3SF3C8obtSmVrkhB
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