This refers to the report, “Record 74 per cent vote to seal Gehlot, Raje's fate” (December 2). Four out of five States, where polling has been conducted, have registered more than 70 per cent voter turnout, with Mizoram crossing 80 per cent. It is an indication that people want to exercise their democratic right and choose an appropriate candidate.
Assembly elections held in the last two years had also recorded high voting. The Election Commission of India's sustained campaign and the interest of the young, first-time voters, who constitute more than 50 per cent of the electorate, are the primary reasons for the good showing.
The last results have proved wrong the theory that higher polling an indication of anti-incumbency sentiment. Chief Ministers who delivered good governance were re-elected and those who didn't were voted out. The new voters understand their democratic responsibility and expect their elected representatives to perform.