In a shocking revelation by a study conducted by the Odisha Election Watch (OEW) supported by the Association Democratic Reforms (ADR), the youths and working group (employees) in the capital city of Bhubaneswar had the highest percentage (57%) of nonparticipation in the lok Sabha and Assembly elections conducted in 2014.
Notably, Odisha recorded its highest-ever polling percentage in the 2014 elections, but Khordha district, the State’s seat of power, proved to be a dampener with the lowest of 56 per cent polling percentage while the tribals-dominated Mayurbhanj district recorded the highest 82 per cent. Bhubaneswar saw a measly 44 per cent.
The study found that the youths and working class people did not possess voter ID cards or have their names in the electoral roll or were not interested in elections. A few opted not to vote as they were of the opinion that the politicians were corrupt
In terms of educational backgrounds, those who were qualified have showed a high percentage of unwillingness in participating in the electoral process, the report revealed.
It revealed that 75 per cent voters who belonged to the intermediate (IA) and graduate categories and 19 per cent belonging to postgraduate and above grades constituted the highest percentage of abstainers in the voting process.
There was eight per cent gender gap as 107 (54%) females, particularly housewives and college and university going females, did not participate in the electoral process as they were largely shaped by cultural and societal barriers in the form of discrimination in terms of low access to information, They mostly got information from and are dependent on other family members. The burden of household duties was a significant reason, the report said.
Those who were doing private and Government jobs did not vote due to out-of-station postings during election time or when no leave was granted to them from their workplace.
Seventeen per cent respondents did not have voter cards. The age group between 18-35 years, especially the youth group, did not possess voter cards while 65 per cent of people were not aware of the word ‘NOTA’ nor did they exercise NOTA.
A total of 200 samples were collected from the city’s three constituencies, Bhubaneswar North, Bhubaneswar Central and Ekamra. The respondents were selected on the basis of non-voting.