Significant numbers of electorates in the Capital rely on their friends and relatives in deciding their representatives in Delhi Assembly. Hence, they seek others’ opinion before casting their ballot. This fact came to light during a survey conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI). While 73 per cent people responded that they cast their vote independently, 24 per cent of the respondents said to decide who they should vote, they seek opinions of others.
The survey was conducted on a sample size of 4,736 respondents, including women, youth, minorities etc., to gauge voter behaviour ahead of Assembly polls. The purpose of the survey was to find out the voting patterns along with ways to cull more people, especially youth to polling booths.
The survey suggested there was a dearth of voters due to lack of awareness and information. As per the major findings of the survey, there was need to use social media for creative awareness as the youth is more clued into social networking sites and the Internet. The survey indicates that at least 7 per cent of the sample (women, youth, migrants) never watched television, which is the most active platform for spreading awareness, to get news related to politics during election.
The survey suggested that in order to draw women voters, there was a need to use women icons and celebrities in awareness campaigns to establish a connect with them. It was also found that the lower stratum of society, especially jhuggis and resettlement colonies which are habitats for migrants, need more aggressive campaigns as there was a very low registration from that stratum.
Survey also suggested that hoardings must be put up at public places to encourage voters and make them realise their responsibility. At the same time, there is a need to make them know the dire consequences of not voting because the youth is of the impression that it is better not to vote than to vote a wrong candidate.
Twenty nine per cent people feel that more awareness campaigns were required and it may help in increasing people participation in the electoral process. Use of public transport like DTC buses, autorickshaws and even electricity and water bills to raise awareness were suggested by the survey.