If everything is marketable, can the elections be left out? Just
like other marketing pushes, but without the financials, the Goa elections need
a push, with just one objective - get enough footfalls.
Much like any party or nightclub venue in Goa, the Chief
electoral Officer has to ensure, or at least inspire, people to come out and
vote. Goa needs footfalls at the polling centre, for the party for democracy to
be a hit
So look whose here to make this party a success, the MC’s of
course.
Enter the election icons. State Icon Tapan Acharya (actor-film-maker) along with Sonia Shirsat (Singer) andTaha Aziz (Special Icon) have been handpicked to be
“influencers”- by simply influencing people to vote.
These icons are well known popular personas known by many, and
have influenced many people to make use of each one’s right to vote. “My job is
only to motivate people and make them aware that they need to vote, and not to
be biased. Only when press the button is my job is complete as an Icon,” says
Aharya
Chief Electoral Officer Kunal, says that despite Goa being a small state,
majority are literate and the use of technology is high, hence people need to
come forward and vote. “We have created awareness through social media and have
created a much wider spread by having our icons motivate people through various
campaigns.”
‘It’s simple, IF YOU DON’T INK, YOUR SHIP WILL SINK’- said CEO
“So be ready and save the date,” he adds.
Eligible voters must vote, not post
opinions.
As much as raising opinions and choices on the social media
during elections is important, you need to act, and go out and vote. “Our
voices need to be action now, as our choices of our action will be the future
of India.”
According to Yatish
Naik, an advocate, the
‘Right to vote’ is something which has been bestowed upon every Indian citizen
by our constitution. “People must understand that our voters will determine our
future. Creating awareness on this subject amongst the citizenry is important;
especially by having many campaigns, and every child above 18 should be
encouraged to vote. Citizens must realize that the destiny of India depends
upon each vote.
Voting is a ‘Holy-Day’ not a ‘Holiday’
“For sure I will be voting and I urge all Goemkar brothers and
sisters to be aware of their fundamental right to vote. Casting Vote is a very
important process for healthy democracy and each vote can make a difference, so
please cast your precious vote at your polling booth,” requests Trusha Panvelkar, an entrepreneur and concerned citizen of
her state and country.
She guides people on participating in a healthy, independent and
impartial Opinion Forming Process. It is all about being responsible and voting
for the best candidate who could bring the change we have been longing to see.
“Let us not see the voting day as a holiday but see it as
“holy-day” and do our auspicious duty of casting vote,” insists Panvelkar.
‘So let’s all Goemkars pledge today, that this Lok Sabha
elections and by-elections we will turn up in huge numbers to cast our valuable
vote and carry forward the legacy of democracy’- she writes for the people of
Goa.
Social Media can Influence young voter;
Unhealthy voting
Voting can be a complicated task, as every person is afraid of choosing
the wrong candidate and might regret later, hence some avoid voting. “Voting is
not compulsory and no one is forcing to do, but I agree it is our right to
vote,” states Yullette Coutino, and advocate.
She worries, “The politicians have and are making a mockery of
our democracy with their monkey business. So then, why must we vote? Eventually
it has no meaning.” Nowadays everyone has an opinion and they like to voice it
out on social platforms. According to Yullette, sometimes, through posts and shares,
a lot of young voters are influenced and do not make their own proper
selection; this isn’t a healthy approach to young voters. When we vote we must
do it consciously, if no candidate suits your criteria of perfection vote for
NOTA (None of the above) and it would be a valid vote.
There’s
a touch of irony in this. The political discourse is very extensive in the
social media and narratives are shaped by it and in it. But many social media
“influencers” do not vote and some are not even citizens. But it is the power
of the social media which makes it the main go to option even by the Election
Commission, to tell people to go further and extend their virtual involvement
into a real one.