Each and every election is different and one expects better candidates, better outcomes and better administration from the parties they vote for.
With respect to the Delhi Legislative Assembly election, currently underway, the statistics when compared to 2015 present an interesting picture.
The Delhi Legislative Assembly has a total strength of 70. Let us look at some of the important parameters and compare them.
1. Number of Candidates- 673 in 2015 and 672 in 2020. This increase isn’t too significant.
2. Voting percentage as of 3 pm: Approximately 51.2% in 2015 and 41.5% in 2020. It is expected that the voting percentage will be less and it could be a disappointment. The citizens get a right to express their democratic choice once in five years and it is squandering away an opportunity when they don’t go and vote.
Also Read: LIVE Updates: Delhi witnesses surge in voter turnout with 53.67% till 5:30 PM
3. Education- 39% of the total number of candidates who contested the polls in 2015 were graduates, whereas in 2020, the number stands at 45%. Though, education is not an indication of the leadership qualities, a leader brings, the electorate would prefer to have well educated and articulate individuals.
4. Number of crorepatis- 34% of the total number of candidates were crorepatis in 2015 and this number stands at 36% in 2020. The Aam Aadmi Party has the three richest candidates in the 2020 fray.
5. Number of women candidates- 10% as of 2015 and 11.8% as of 2020. This is a marginal increase and voters would like to see a greater number of women candidates in the future.
6. Number of candidates with a criminal record- 11% as of 2015 and around 20% as of 2020. This is a worrying trend. This number which should decrease to negligible, continues to increase. This is happening despite the Supreme Court of India trying to weed out criminals from political processes. Efforts have been taken to ensure that convicted criminals are not part of the electoral process.
The results for the Delhi Legislative Assembly elections will be announced on Feb 11.