SHILLONG: The manifold programmes and activities of the Election Department to attract voters in the city could not reduce urban apathy to a great extent as several polling stations remained almost empty on Thursday afternoon.
Though the weather was pleasant, some polling stations witnessed few voters queuing up to exercise their franchise. However, some polling stations witnessed impressive turnout early in the morning.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Frederick Kharkongor expressed optimism that the poll percentage may still go up after final figures.
He told reporters on Thursday that the turnout was not that low. “There is a lukewarm response as it is a normal trend but we have not gone below,” he said.
Turnout is an outcome and an interplay of many other factors which substantially include a more effective connect between voters and political parties and their candidates, the CEO explained.
“Political parties should have created awareness and the candidates should have reached out to voters so that they can come out in large numbers to cast their votes,” he added.
He, however, said that enrolment was robust as there were over 19 lakh voters.
“We are 19 lakh plus now, so we are satisfied in terms of positive results in getting more eligible electors enrolled through various initiatives,” Kharkongor said while responding to a query on urban apathy.
Pointing to the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, he said the electorate was less then. “So overall it’s a decent turnout in the context of general lukewarm response to LS elections.”
Unlike the district council election in February when roads were deserted and majority of the shops were closed, this time local taxis were plying and many shops were open.
