SPECIAL CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE VOTER TURNOUT

SPECIAL CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE VOTER TURNOUT

24-SEP-ENG 15

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA--------------------------A special campaign will be launched to increase voting percentages in areas with low voter turnout. This special campaign will begin in more than 12 assembly constituencies where less than 50 percent voter turnout was recorded in the last assembly elections.

The excitement surrounding the Bihar assembly elections is now gaining momentum. All political parties have begun finalizing their preparations. While the announcement of the election dates is awaited, the State Election Department has taken a significant step. A special campaign will be launched to increase voting percentages in areas with low voter turnout.

According to information, this special campaign will begin in more than 12 assembly constituencies where less than 50 percent voter turnout was recorded in the last assembly elections. The Chief Electoral Officer has assigned the responsibility for this to the District Magistrates and District Election Officers of the respective districts. They have been instructed to develop strategies to increase voting percentages in their respective areas.

Extremely low voter turnout was recorded in assembly constituencies like Kumhrar, Bankipur, and Digha in the Patna urban area. According to Election Department data, only 35.27 percent voting took place in Kumhrar, 35.91 percent in Bankipur, and 36.99 percent in Digha. The Election Department faced criticism for this low voter turnout. Not only in Patna, but also in areas like Bhagalpur, Jamalpur, Nawada, Gaya Urban, Ara, Bihar Sharif, Munger, Shahpur, Asthawan, Nalanda, and Warisaliganj, voter turnout was also low.

To improve this situation, the Election Department is running a "Mission 60" campaign. Under this mission, 60 polling stations have been identified in each assembly constituency where the lowest voter turnout has been recorded. Voter awareness campaigns will be conducted specifically at these centers. Under this initiative, voters will be encouraged to vote through SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) activities.

In addition, special arrangements are being made to ensure smooth and convenient voting for senior citizens over 85 years of age, women voters, and voters with disabilities. The Election Commission aims to further strengthen democratic participation by increasing voter turnout this time.

On the other hand, some assembly constituencies in the state saw relatively high voter turnout. Koira recorded 67.39%, Barari 67.23%, and Chakai 66.07%. These constituencies are being seen as role models, and their strategies are being considered for implementation in other areas.

This initiative by the State Election Department is considered an important step towards strengthening democracy. Only time will tell whether this effort to increase voter turnout in the upcoming assembly elections will be successful.