In the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2019, over 90 per cent of first-time eligible voters are expected to vote, a Twitter India survey revealed on Wednesday. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), nearly 1.5 crore first-time voters will exercise their franchise.
Seven in 10 first-time eligible voters in India believe that they are contributing to the public debate by posting on Twitter, said Twitter India. Nearly half (46 per cent) would actively engage with and raise concerns to the government on issues that affect them or their community, versus one-third (36 per cent) of those not on the platform.
The survey was conducted as part of Twitter's youth engagement initiative #PowerOf18.Nearly 54.6 per cent of those surveyed said they will use Twitter to gather support for a cause or movement, and 54.4 per cent will use the platform to express their opinion to be heard.
Over 80 per cent said they will turn to social media to find out what's happening in India and around the world. The study surveyed 1,602 youth aged 18-22 years old, comprising Twitter and non-Twitter users.
General elections are scheduled to be held in seven phases from 11 April to 19 May 2019 to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha. The counting of votes will be conducted on 23 May, and on the same day, the results will be declared.
Legislative Assembly elections in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim will be held simultaneously with the general elections.
(With inputs from IANS)
