ISLAMABAD: The rural parts of the federal capital witnessed a lot of excitement and hustle bustle on polling day. Apart from a few isolated incidents of heated exchanges between rival camps, polling ended peacefully in most areas.
Vehicles decked out in party colours blared anthems all day long, as supporters offered free pick-and-drop services to voters from their doorstep, while some candidates even offered free lunches.
However, contrary to the trend witnessed around the time of the general elections, there was little to no canvassing with voters at or around polling stations.
“Today’s voter is quite well informed and has already made up his/her mind by the time he/she gets to the polling station. It is very difficult now for any party to sway voters at that stage… this is why we all are staying away from polling stations, let the people decide who the winner will be,” said Raja Akbar, a who supported an independent candidate in Tumair.
In contrast with previous elections, this year’s elections saw the rise of a new kind of voter: the silent voter. Traditionally, supporters of political parties and candidates would come to that party or candidate’s election stall before going to the polling station.
Now, however, most people preferred to keep their cards close to chest and did not prefer to reveal who they had voted for.
Mohammad Murtaza was one such voter. After casting his vote in Phulgran, he told Dawn, “I voted for the best candidates. I won’t disclose who, because I have personal relationships with many of the hopefuls,” he said.
This was a recurring theme in the rural areas. Thanks to a low population density, nearly everyone knows everybody else in their neighbourhood and political leaders are well-known figures of the locality. This is probably why voters preferred not to divulge their loyalties, for fear of reprisal from the other candidates.
In the morning session, the turnout was quite low, but numbers improved as the day progressed and by noon, a large number of people, including women, had made their way to polling stations to cast their votes.
Women voters were just as enthusiastic as the men. “I’m a housewife and have to look after my daily chores in the morning. I came to vote as soon as I finished my tasks for the day,” said Irum Bibi, a resident of Bhara Kahu.
Published in Dawn, December 1st, 2015
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