An Instance of Proxy Voting: A Case Study of Saikot Ac, Manipur

Abstract

From differences in polling dates to indifferences in representative voting, the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly Election remains unchanged. The National Elderly Policy defines the term elderly as a person who is or above 60 years of age. So, basic calculation suggests that the elderly have voted for the ninth time around. If the adage ‘old age is wisdom’ is still valid, it becomes compelling to study the voting behaviour of the elderly. The objective of the study is to understand the extent of elderly participation in election, especially in the context of the COVID- 19 pandemic. The Research Methodology adopted is qualitative in nature. It is confined to a group numbering 100-200 participants. Research approach follows an ‘inductive model’. The method of collecting data and tools is based on ‘Structured- Personal Interview’. Significant findings out of research in the Saikot Assembly Constituency (A/C) are proxy voting for the elderly, the elderlies’ dissatisfaction with the ruling government. Also, social media as a manufacturer of consent is found to rarely apply to the elderly. The author’s opinion is that if election is feasible for 60 A/Cs, dignified participation ought to be feasible for the 60 years and above too.