As Arunachal Pradesh gears up for simultaneous elections to the two Lok Sabha constituencies and the 60-member state Assembly on April 19, first-time voters in the state are emphasizing that voting is more than just a right—it’s a civic responsibility. Out of the total electorate of 8,82,816, a significant 46,144 are first-time voters, many of whom view their participation as crucial to shaping a vibrant democracy.
A call for ethical voting
Eighteen-year-old Millo Sunyo, who will be casting her vote for the first time, strongly believes in the importance of every vote. “Voting is not just a right but a responsibility of all eligible voters to exercise their adult franchise for building a strong base for a vibrant democracy,” she said. Hailing from the Ziro-Hapoli Assembly constituency, Sunyo expressed hope that the election process would be free from the influence of money and material incentives. She voiced concerns about the distribution of freebies like petrol, diesel, liquor, and other items that have been used to sway voters in the past, urging her peers to resist such temptations.
Sunyo believes that a higher voter turnout, particularly among first-time voters, is essential for a healthy democratic process. “Our participation is crucial to ensuring that our democracy remains robust and representative,” she added.
The power of a single vote
Mingo Ete, a 23-year-old from Aalo in West Siang district, also feels strongly about the need for transparency and accountability from elected representatives. As a first-time voter, Ete sees his vote as a tool to elect leaders who will genuinely work for the people. “Many a time, we criticize the government but skip participating in the voting process,” he said, highlighting the disconnect between public grievances and voter participation.
Ete’s expectations from his elected representatives include accessibility, accountability, and a commitment to ethical governance. “Voters should choose a candidate who demonstrates a commitment to these responsibilities and can effectively address local needs,” he explained, adding that corrupt politicians must be rejected by voters.
Ete believes that a vote is powerful and must be used wisely. “We must choose the right leader who has the potential to bring changes in our society. My vote should count, and I will cast it for someone who can solve common problems like unemployment,” he said.
Parental influence on young voters
However, not all first-time voters in Arunachal Pradesh share the same level of political engagement. Eighteen-year-old Gedo Kato, who will be voting in both the assembly and parliamentary polls from Liromoba constituency, admitted that politics does not interest him. “I will vote for a candidate who my parents ask me to,” Kato said, reflecting a common trend among young voters who defer to the political preferences of their elders.
Nineteen-year-old Chukhu Y, originally from Lower Subansiri district, echoed Kato’s sentiments. Voting for the first time from Itanagar, she too plans to follow her parents’ guidance in selecting a candidate. However, she personally hopes to elect a leader with a pleasing personality, someone who will fight corruption and work for the welfare of educated, unemployed youth.
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Youth participation and political awareness
While many first-time voters are eager to make informed decisions, others remain disengaged from the political process. According to Nani Bath, a professor in the Political Science Department at Rajiv Gandhi University, many young voters in Arunachal Pradesh are not deeply interested in politics. “I don’t think our youth are interested in the political process,” Bath said, adding that a lack of understanding about political issues contributes to this disinterest.
Bath observed that while young voters may be more inclined to vote based on issues in parliamentary elections, their choices in assembly elections tend to follow the preferences of their parents and elders. “My understanding is that many of the young voters tend to vote on issues in the parliamentary elections. In the assembly elections, they follow their parents and elders,” he explained.
Building a strong democracy
Despite the challenges of political disengagement among some youth, there remains a strong sense of responsibility among many first-time voters in Arunachal Pradesh. The upcoming elections present an opportunity for these young voters to play an active role in shaping the future of their state and nation.
For voters like Sunyo and Ete, the act of voting is not merely a civic duty, but a critical step toward building a more accountable and transparent political system. Their commitment to ethical voting and the rejection of corrupt practices underscores the importance of youth participation in maintaining a healthy and vibrant democracy.
