Why Bangaloreans chose to stay away TIMES NEWS NETWORK Bangalore: Why did Bangalore choose to stay indoors? In spite of the awareness campaigns

Why Bangaloreans chose to stay away
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Why did Bangalore choose to stay indoors? In spite of the awareness campaigns by voluntary agencies, the city saw a fall in turnout — it was just 44%. Was it to do with the disconnect with politics? Was it to do with the string of holidays during the week or vacation for schools and colleges? Or even the stringent restrictions on campaigning that left many voters unacquainted with the candidates?
Observers have reasoned that two causes could be the faulty voters’ list and lack of people’s faith in the political process.
Samuel Paul, PAC chairman
People have a suspicion that this election would not end in a clear front-runner. When people feel that, they probably lose interest.
Ramesh Ramanathan, Janaagraha
The media has done a good job of increasing awareness. There has been the desire to vote high but systemic problems have to be solved to translate this awareness into good numbers.
Mukunda, Citizens Action Forum
Faulty voters’ lists have deprived lots of people of the right to vote.
Ramesh Dutt, Sanjaynagar Residents’ Association
The awareness to vote is there, but lack of faith in the political process is the problem.