“Ladies and gentlemen, now is the time to enhance your future. This Lok Sabha elections cast your precious vote and contribute to the nation’s growth and your prosperity.” This was the announcement made on Tuesday on a Mumbai-Ahmedabad GoAir flight, as part of a new initiative of the District Election Office, Mumbai (Suburban), to encourage voting.
The suburban district election officer is enlisting the support of airlines and the Mumbai airport to promote participation in the elections. Mumbai goes to polls on April 29, a Monday, and there are fears of a low turnout owing to a long weekend.
The initiative is part of the Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation programme rolled out by the Election Commission of India. The city registered a turnout of 51% in 2014, and currently has more than 70 lakh eligible voters.
“We have held meetings with other airlines, who will soon join our effort. We will also be enlisting the support of Mumbai airport,” Sachin Kurve, Collector, Mumbai (Suburban), said. At the international terminal, promotional material will be beamed across 188 screens.
The idea is the brainchild of Mr. Kurve and his team, which includes Deputy Collector, Mumbai Suburban, Sonali Muley and Officer on Special Duty Subhash Dalvi. Ms. Muley said the domestic and international terminals handle around 50,000 and 75,000 passengers respectively on a daily basis. The team is also planning to give out promotional pamphlets with boarding passes.
“The segment of people travelling by air has traditionally not voted in large numbers. We hope to increase the turnout in the segment,” an official said.
