Voters want solutions, not freebies

Hyderabad: The indications are clear; people would give their vote for the candidate who has a local agenda in the GHMC elections. Citizens are ready to cast their vote to candidates who are willing and give assurance to address civic issues.

A total of 68 per cent of respondents of a study conducted to gauge the voters’ pulse do not want freebies but solutions to civic issues such as removal of garbage, cleaning of overflowing drains and clean drinking water.

In a project ‘Awaz Do Hyderabad’ designed and executed by Pramanya Strategy - an international political research and strategy organisation, 12,000 voters were contacted since January 15 to elicit their opinion using Facebook, Twitter, tele-calling and one-on-one interaction.

Among the major problems, scaracity of water (34%), poorly maintained roads (23%), health issues due to open drains (19%) and garbage (6%) are major concerns. Issuing tickets to contestants by political parties, followed by publicity that disrupts daily life were issues that affect the common man, revealed the survey.

Majority of respondents was deeply concerned over missing names in voters’ list in spite of providing proper documents. The project has been using social media and tele-calling solutions along with one-on-one interactions to motivate the public to exercise their right to vote while encouraging them to voice their concerns about the community they live in and about issues that are relevant and critical to them in GHMC elections.