By Afaque Hussain
Meghalaya has the largest number of young voters in the country and the level of energy and excitement is also the highest.
Young and first-time voters are excited to exercise their franchise, to bring about a change and be part of the world’s biggest democracy. The Shillong Times spoke to several young voters and first-timers and all of them believe that every vote counts as this will give them better opportunities.
However, before they choose their leaders, the youths want an assurance on accountability. They also want their future MPs to address their concerns like corruption in the system, discrimination on the basis of race, religion, colour and caste and widespread joblessness. They want the leaders to be committed to secularism and sincere in resolving the issues which are affecting the country socially, economically and politically.
Samrat Sarkar, who is voting for the first time in the Lok Sabha elections, said he wants a good leader who can take the masses together and solve all the issues of a common man, be it shortage of electricity or providing good healthcare service to the common man.
Echoing similar views, Nafisabet Malngiang adds that unemployment is the biggest fear among youths today and the MPs as well as the state government should try to provide employment to the youths.
“Unemployment is the biggest problem and youths after completing their graduation are finding it tough to earn a sustained livelihood,” says first-time voter Emanuel G Momin.
Momin points out the ripple effect of unemployment on society. He says many jobless and frustrated youths and turning to drug abuse and finally crime. “Job is the immediate requirement,” he adds.
Another first timer, Nafisa Khan, says she is really excited to vote as she feels matured enough to be part of the country’s future building. But she is concerned about the dichotomy in the politicians’ actions. They promise the moon before elections but forget to even deliver the basic amenities after the polls. Khan wants the elected leaders to fulfil their promises made during campaigning.
Pappu Yadav agrees, saying, “This trend has to change to take the country forward and make development inclusive.”
Yadav wants to be a responsible voter and does not want to make a choice in a hurry. He wants a true leader who would not discriminate among his or her constituents on the basis of religion, caste, tribe and creed.
Politicking is now all about religion. Many parties harp on religious sentiments of supporters to strengthen their camps. But Elina R Marak says it is wrong to “drag religion into politics”.
“I want a leader who does not use religion and works hard and makes efforts to eradicate unemployment,” she adds.
Arvind Kumar is concerned about the present education system and feels improvements can be made. “It is high time that sex education be given importance as well,” he strongly believes.
Kumar says whichever government comes to power at the Centre should take measures to improve literacy rate in the country and the state.
Suraj Joshi says this is the time when voters can show their real power and people should select the best person who can lead the country.