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Pathanamthitta: Voter turnout has been slipping across successive local body elections in Kerala and the first phase of polling in the state’s southern districts has reinforced the trend with the average voter turnout at 70.86 percentage – the lowest since 2005.
Corporation, wards and panchayats witnessed the drop in voter turnout.
Pathanamthitta, the hilly district with highest number of expatriates in the state witnessed the lowest among all the 7 southern districts that went to poll on December 9.
All seven districts posted a uniform 3% dip, offering a clear preview of the statewide trend. Notably, voter participation figure in these districts have dipped to levels lower than those recorded in 2020, a year marked by the Covid crisis.
Migration rise after Covid-19 pandemic
A substantial rise in migration among the youngsters to other countries and states is one of the primary reason why
Pathanamthitta witnessed a sharp dip in voter turnout. Youngsters in the 25 to 35 age group had moved out to countries like US, Europe in large numbers in the past 10 years leaving the elderly parents and family members back at home.
“It has become crystal clear that the mass migration has led to voter turnout dropping to one-fifth in many wards in the rural and urban regions in Pathanamthitta. This is indeed a disturbing trend as far as the state is concerned. However even though they have moved out they have ensured that their names have not been removed from the voter list”, said Dr Varghese George, Kerala planning board member.
Remarkable dip in voters was witnessed in Thiruvalla, Kozhanchery, Mallappally and Ranni region where many youngsters were absent from casting their votes.
66.78 percentage is the total voter turnout in Pathanamthitta district. In 2020, the voter turnout was recorded at 69.75 percentage. The exodus to other countries had gained momentum after the Covid-19 pandemic.
