Lok Sabha Polls: EC appeals to Delhi-NCR voters to break trend of urban apathy

The Election Commission has urged voters in urban centres, including Delhi, Gurugram, and Faridabad, to counteract the trend of urban apathy by voting in large numbers during the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday.

After the fifth phase of voting on May 20, the poll panel expressed disappointment that constituencies in cities like Mumbai, Thane, Nashik, and Lucknow continued to exhibit “urban apathy,” similar to the trend observed in the 2019 elections.

In a statement on Friday regarding the preparations for the sixth phase, the Commission emphasized the importance of voting and specifically reminded urban voters in Delhi, Gurugram, and Faridabad of their rights and duties, urging them to “break the trend of urban apathy.”

Earlier this week, the Commission also highlighted the persistent voting apathy in Mumbai, Thane, and Lucknow and called on residents in these cities to participate more actively in the elections.

The poll authority noted that historically, these cities have “suffered” from low voter turnout.

On May 3, referencing the turnout in the second phase of voting, the Commission expressed disappointment with the low participation in some metropolitan areas.

Last month, the Election Commission convened with various metro commissioners to develop strategies to combat voter apathy.

Urban and youth apathy is characterized by low voter turnout among young people and residents of metropolitan areas on election day.

(With inputs from PTI)