Transformation Of Voting Behaviour And Emerging Political Dynamics In Uttarakhand
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Abstract
The current study explores the evolution of voting behavior and political dynamics in the state of Uttarakhand, with emphasis placed on the involvement in elections, the factors affecting voting decisions, change in voting behaviour and political dynamics. A descriptive cross-sectional research approach is used for data collection, and the information about 120 respondents is gathered through a structured questionnaire survey. The data analysis is carried out using the frequency and percentage analysis. The results indicate that 65.0% of the respondents always vote, which means that the level of election involvement is rather high. Image and credibility of candidates is the most important factor affecting voting decisions (24.2%), whereas political parties and their ideology (21.7%) and development and employment issues (20.0%) are of secondary importance to the respondents. With regard to changes in voting behaviour, the increase in the importance of development (28.3%) and candidate performance (22.5%) is indicated. In addition, it is found that the development politics (25.8%) and the need for accountability in governance (22.5%) are the most pronounced political dynamics, followed by the rise of influence of youth voters (19.2%) and regional/local issues (16.7%). Overall, the study indicates that voting behaviour in Uttarakhand is becoming more development-oriented, performance-based and politically aware, with changing patterns of political communication and a comparatively declining influence of traditional political factors.
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