VRISHANK MAHATME
vrishank@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: As voting for the Goa elections kicked off on Saturday, a number of first-time voters were seen across the State waiting in anticipation to cast their vote for the first time and, like every other voter, have high expectations from the government.
Goa has 11.08 lakh registered voters, of which about 23 percent are aged between 18 and 30 years, while first time voters between the ages of 18-19 are 31,278.
Students who spoke to Herald after exercising their franchise for the first time said the main issue seems to be the bleak employment opportunities and that youth across the State considered this when choosing the right candidate.
Purva Phaldesai, studying at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa had said, “As I am a first-time voter, it feels really good that I am part of this country and I belong here. I hope the new government will be corruption-free and will provide job opportunities and work towards making Goa a pollution-free state.”
Youth, especially girls, want better security for women from the new government given the increasing crime rate. “I have voted for the first time and I expect that the new government will do everything in providing better security for women, though the crime rate in Goa is comparatively less. I still expect that strict laws should be enforced to protect females” said a student from Ponda, who did not want to reveal her identity.
Another voter, Zeola Rochelle Fernandes, studying at St Xavier’s College, Mapusa said, “I am excited, overwhelmed by voting for the first time. It made me feels really important that l am part of the decision making to choose and decide the right MLA to represent us. The youth were recognized and it is great feeling to be treated like a mature citizen and no longer a child.”
“I was excited that I voted for the first time. Yesterday I was treated like a small child and today I am treated like a responsible citizen. I was waiting for this day to come and it is like a dream come true. It’s power to the youth. I am happy to be part of decision making” said Asher Lopes, Institute of Advanced Management Verna.
As expectations from these youngsters are high, it is now to be seen whether these youth who voted for the first time will be inspired to vote again.
“If the issues related to young generation are fulfilled and their expectations are looked after, it will inspire the young generation to vote in the future elections,” said Warrior Nunes.
(With inputs from Inacio Noronha)
