SEC will turn to web videos to woo young voters
With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for February 21, the State Election Commission (SEC), in collaboration with the civic body, is considering rolling out a first-of-its-kind initiative to boost youth voter turnout. The SEC is planning to upload one-minute videos of candidates contesting the civic elections on the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) website. These videos will draw attention to candidates' manifestos for each ward.
With the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections scheduled for February 21, the State Election Commission (SEC), in collaboration with the civic body, is considering rolling out a first-of-its-kind initiative to boost youth voter turnout. The SEC is planning to upload one-minute videos of candidates contesting the civic elections on the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) website. These videos will draw attention to candidates' manifestos for each ward.
The SEC believes that these videos will inform voters about the candidates in the fray in their respective wards. The SEC expects the youth to be encouraged to vote. In the past, BMC elections have witnessed moderate voter participation.
"Through these videos, candidates will be able to narrate their vision for the ward they are contesting from. Also, these videos will highlight their credentials. After the final list of the candidates is declared in February, we will begin recording the videos," said a SEC official, on the condition of anonymity.
"Citizens must be informed about the candidates they will be voting for. This will allow them to make an informed decision before casting their vote. We are trying to ensure a better voter turnout this year," the official added.
BMC has also made a list of 10 questions that each candidate is expected to answer in their respective videos. The questions posed will pertain to their education, income, criminal record, if any, and their manifesto for the ward.