THIRUVANATHAPURAM/KOCHI/KOZHIKODE: With the poll day being followed by a string of holidays, there is every chance that voters, especially the floating population in cities, may go on a long summer holiday and not cast their votes.
V V Rajesh, BJP candidate in Vattiyoorkkavu, said his party had objected to the date of election which comes a day ahead of Vishu. "The floating population may skip the election. We had written to the Election Commission about it,'' said Rajesh. The poll date, which itself is a holiday, is followed by Ambedkar Jayanti, Vishu, a weekend and then the Holy Week.
Parties and candidates in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode are less concerned about the low voter turnout.
"We have requested the voters not to go on tour on election day before casting votes," said Kozhikode DCC president K C Abu.
"People staying in flats and colonies are prone to this trend. We have requested them not to waste votes. As for bank employees, we have tried to persuade them through employees organisations," he said.
IUML general secretary M C Mayin Haji said voters who've planned tours will cast their votes early morning. V S Shivakumar, UDF candidate in Thiruvananthapuram constituency, said an awareness has been created among voters on the importance of exercising their franchise. "The holidays could be a problem, but I think voters know how important it is to cast votes," said Shivakumar.
LDF candidate in Vattiyoorkkavu, Cherian Philip, said he was confident about the Left votes. "I'm sure all Left votes will be polled, whether or not there are holidays," said Cherian.