Same vote share of 80+ and first-timers!

GANDHINAGAR: In 2019 elections, super senior citizens (80+ years) will be wielding the same clout as first-time voters. The shift in voter demographics in

Gujarat

from 2014 to 2019 shows the

vote

share of super senior citizens (80+ years) is now just 0.6% less than that of first-time voters. Analysts say the drop in electoral share of first-time voters and the simultaneous increase in vote share of super senior citizens is both politically and sociologically significant.

In 2014, total 2.88% of voters were in the 18-19 age group (first-time voters) but the share of this group dropped to 1.71% (drop of 1.17%) in 2019. At the same time the vote share of super senior citizens grew from 1.25% to 1.65%.

Currently, according to the latest data released by the chief election officer, Gujarat, the number of first-time voters stand at 7.67 lakhs while the number of super senior voters stand at 7.38 lakhs making it clear that both age groups should have had similar significance for parties.

The 20-29 age group also saw a reduction in vote share by 3.37% of the total electorate in Gujarat between 2014 and 2019. All older age groups saw an increase in their vote share.

Dinesh Shukla, veteran political analyst said, “PM Narendra Modi received tremendous support from the first-time and young voters in 2014, so the drop in vote share of these groups should pose an issue for BJP.”

Shukla added, “Like western countries, the time has now come for political parties to address issues of the ageing population if they want their votes.”

Speaking on the significance of he demographic shift, Gaurang Jani, senior sociologist said, ‘The fall in the share of first-time voters can be linked to the fall in the

total fertility rate

. The 2001 and 2011 census revealed a noticeable drop in fertility rate and so the number of first-time voters has also been affected. Skewed sex ratio is also one of the primary reasons affecting population growth.”

“It is time for the government to start senior citizens homes,” said Jani.