Delhi delivers a decent 50% voter turnout

Mumbai may have recorded a dismal 41.24 % voter turnout on April 30 (lowest since 1977) but Delhiites chose to be more proactive.

The turnout in the seven parliamentary constituencies of the capital was a decent 50.3 %, up from the 47.09 % recorded in 2004. However, the figure was considerably less than the 60% turnout recorded during the November assembly elections though poll officials said it was a “slight dip” because of rising temperatures. However, some voters had to return without casting their ballots because their names were missing from voter lists.

The intense media campaign — including appeals by filmstars, the ‘Pappu can’t vote’ jingles thought up by the state election office, full-page advertisements and offers of discounts on premium brands —lured voters to the booths. Though polling began on a high note at 7am on Thursday, there was a slump in numbers later as the mercury rose.

However, just as one was beginning to feel that Delhi might do a Mumbai, voters returned to booths at 3pm. In several places, polling continued after 5pm.

“I am a first-timer and was quite excited about voting. Besides, the offers from retail giants was an added incentive,” said Arjun Vaid, a Mehrauli (South Delhi constituency) resident.

Retail chains, cinema halls and restaurants offered ‘democracy discounts’ to get people to vote.