First-time voters eager to vote in BBMP elections: Survey

Bengaluru: With Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) elections most likely to be held in the coming months, Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy has conducted a 'City Politics Survey' to gauge the public mood on local governance, issues that affect the quality of life, their expectation from the newly elected body, city budget and spend, citizens engagement with councillors as well as basic knowledge of citizens on city governance and political structures.

Using stratified random sampling methodology, 503 people from 27 wards belonging to eight zones of Bengaluru were asked to answer 29 questions. The survey was conducted between December 16, 2021, and January 2, 2022, and included people from different age and socio-economic groups. The Janaagraha's City Politics Survey – Bengaluru 2022 was released on Tuesday.

The survey showed that 86 per cent of Bengaluru's first-time voters strongly expressed their intention to cast their vote in the upcoming BBMP election. Their main concern was tackling climate change, and 88% of first-time voters believe strong local governance and a strong BBMP are the keys to a better future for Bengaluru.

Speaking to media persons, head of Civic Participation at Janaagraha, Srinivas Alavilli said, "Voters of Bengaluru are waiting for the BBMP elections. We tried to understand the degree of awareness citizens in general and first-time voters in particular, have about BBMP. The results showed that very few understand the role of BBMP, Corporators, Ward Committees etc but are keen to vote and want civic polls to be conducted on everyday issues that affect them.

"To improve our city, the institution of local governance must be strengthened, beginning with participating in local elections. We appeal to the political parties to present a compelling vision for our city and seek votes. We humbly appeal to the media to give as much importance to BBMP elections as they do for State or national elections," was the answer from young voters.

As Sapna Karim of Janaagraha said, "While a large percentage of citizens and voters of Bengaluru may not fully understand the nature of ward level governance, it is clear that their expectations from the BBMP and the new council that will be formed is to ensure there are walkable footpaths, clean neighborhoods, an efficient commute, access to clean water, a focus on mitigating negative impact on climate and environment, among other civic issues.

It has been proved through the pandemic that decentralization of governance through Ward Committees that bringing government closer to the citizens got thumbs up from the respondents. This is evident from the significant number of Ward committee meetings taking place in the city. However, the BBMP has to build its capacity and resources to strengthen the platform of Ward Committees, deepen citizen engagement and through that fulfil citizens' aspirations"

The Karnataka Lead for Civic Participation at Janaagraha, Manjunatha Hampapura L said, "BBMP elections are extremely important for the next five years. We hope our survey highlights the needs of citizens for political parties and candidates to take notice. Bengaluru is one of the best cities in the world, and by electing the right set of people, citizens can help make our city overcome the challenges."