Indian elections: The world's biggest democracy heads to the polls in seven phases between 11 April to 19 May 2019.

During which, the Election commission of India suggested to all political parties that they should take adequate steps and measures to not use single-use plastic as campaign materials (posters, banners etc.,) during the elections in the interest of human health and environment.

Generally during the elections in India, one can see the community areas in political colors, through the use of banners, mostly made of single-use plastics like the carcinogenic polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

Ahead of the elections in March 2019, in Kerala State, the High Court banned the use of flex and other non-biodegradable materials for campaigning throughout the state for election campaigns.

The political parties were directed to use alternative materials such as cotton cloth/paper instead of plastic flags, non-biodegradable materials.

Directives were given to serve food in plantain leaves or steel plates and water in steel glasses or earthen pots.

The Haritha Keralam Mission (Green Kerala Mission) and Suchitwa Mission (Kerala state-supported mission aimed at waste management, water resources management, organic farming etc.) conducted various awareness campaigns, rallies and classes to political parties and students to educate them and bring awareness to adhere to the Green Protocol during elections.

During campaign, the Election commission and concerned administrators seized or removed around 15 lakh hoardings, banners and posters that were violating the Green Protocol.

On 23^rd April 2019 on Election day, the Polling stations, counting centres, and other election offices were directed to avoid plastic material, including water bottles.

The model and initiatives taken by Kerala state, India is laudable and a model for other states and nations.

The State of Kerala, India had a greener election and a greener environment.

Ref: http://sanitation.kerala.gov.in/

Ref:https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha-2019/an-election-that-is-green-and-clean/article26689819.ece