The Political Demography of Generation Z: Electoral Behaviour, Digital Engagement and the Restructuring of Democratic Participation in India

DOI- https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21451891

Abstract

The Indian general elections of 2024 represented a critical juncture in the nation’s democratic trajectory, underscoring the ascendant influence of Generation Z within the electoral matrix. With a registered electorate of 968.8 million citizens, the demographic composition has shifted decisively toward younger cohorts, necessitating a re-evaluation of traditional political behaviour models. This paper provides an exhaustive analysis of Gen Z voting behaviour, synthesizing empirical data from the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS)-Lokniti surveys, Election Commission of India (ECI) reports and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The analysis investigates the paradox of high digital political engagement contrasting with stark formal registration deficits. Furthermore, it examines the transition from identity-based sociological determinants to rational-choice pragmatism, driven by acute crises in youth unemployment and inflation. The research highlights the epistemological vulnerabilities introduced by unregulated digital ecosystems, including the proliferation of misinformation and algorithmic polarization. By mapping national vote share distributions and profound regional divergences, this study illuminates the complex hybridization of the contemporary Indian youth voter, offering critical insights into the future restructuring of democratic participation and institutional accountability in the Global South.

Keywords: Gen Z, Election, Voting Behaviour, Social Media, Digital Awareness