LAHORE, Oct 10: Not many youngsters cast their votes during the elections on Thursday, contradicting official claims that they would fully avail the opportunity afforded to them to “change the political scene in the country.”

Most of young people aged between 18 to 21 preferred to remain indoors or to play cricket or fly kites rather than using the right of franchise given so eagerly by the present government. Not many even came out to enjoy the election process or while away their time.

A round of various polling stations in the city indicated that out of average 50 registered votes of the youth in each booth, only two to three were cast.

The number of young women voters too was insignificant and none of the polling staff or agents saw their marked participation.

“It made no difference. The voters were less and of all ages. There was no marked participation by young women,” the presiding officer of the Central Model High School’s women polling station said.

“Those who cast their votes had done this out of curiosity,” said 19-year-old Rizwan. He said that he had no inclination for any party but he went to the polling station just to feel the sensation of “my life’s very first vote.”

The major activity for young men appeared to be games in city’s parks like the Iqbal Parks. Sleeping at home was the best activity in many cases and the youth revelled in kite flying in the Walled City.

“The wind is strong and I am enjoying my holiday,” Muhammad Akram of Lohari Gate going home with kites gloated.

VENDORS: Vendors also did not cast their votes giving reasons that their fate will remain the same no matter who comes to power.

A large majority present in the city claimed that they belonged to Lahore but they did not want to cast their votes. —Reporter