Kudos to Election Commission for the high voter turnout recorded in the general elections in the residuary State of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday! It was owing to its blitzkrieg publicity. Ever since the announcement of election schedule, EC, along with State poll machinery, pitched in fervently making use of the technology to the optimum level to ensure a very encouraging voting percentage.
Bulk SMSes sent to mobile phones on a daily basis was the biggest thing that motivated the people, especially youngsters, to shun complacency in exercising their adult franchise. SMEes which helped the people in identifying the polling booths proved to be extremely useful.
The unfailing regularity with which the election authorities reminded people of their constitutional duty to vote gave a wake-up call to everyone. Youth, who form a potent force in a democracy, duly heeded the call and showed interest, which was unprecedented, and it was evident from the massive number of youngsters at the polling stations. Advertisements in print and electronic media, not seen on such a large scale in the past, had a profound impact.
Hoardings and banners displayed at all important public places and junctions reminded people of their duty to play their role in the participatory democracy by first getting enrolled as voters. The exhaustive details contained on the website http://ceoandhra.nic.in were the major factor that drove voters in millions to the polling stations. Declaration of polling day as a public holiday ensured that the common people did not miss the opportunity to be part of the election process. And all this would not be possible without the cooperation of Police and other departments.
