As the time for the 13th National Parliament elections approaches, the various calculations regarding the voting are increasing. More than 45 million young voters will become a factor in the upcoming elections. The key to power is in the hands of these young people this time.
They are between the ages of 18 and 33. It is believed that the new voters will play a major role in determining the victory or defeat in the next election. The support of these voters between the ages of 18 and 33 will determine which party will come to power. Therefore, the political parties have started new ideas in line with the thoughts of young voters, and based on this, the election manifesto is being prepared.
In this regard, Election Commissioner Md. Anwarul Islam Sarkar told Bangladesh Pratidin, “One-third of the total population is young. These young people will vote this time. They are very much interested in voting. They could not vote in the past and they are new voters.”
He said, “These young voters will be the deciding factor this time. The candidates from the side where they vote more will pass more. Those concerned say that the vast youth segment of the total electorate is now the main force in national politics. Wherever the support of this generation, skilled and aware in digital technology, goes, the results of the elections will also turn in that direction. From cities to villages, the youth are now triumphant. The strong desire for change, especially among new voters, can have a major impact on the upcoming elections.”
An analysis of the current demographic structure of Bangladesh shows that young voters are going to emerge as the real kingmakers in this election. Almost one-third of the total voters are young, which is enough to change the fate of any political party. According to the Election Commission, the expectations of young voters go beyond the boundaries of traditional politics and are a little different. They are giving more importance to employment, quality education and modern civic amenities.
According to the EC's calculations, the total number of young voters is close to 45 million. If these 45 million young voters exercise their right to vote in unison, they will play a key role in determining the victory or defeat of any party. As a result, political parties are now taking up various programs in their election manifestos, giving priority to the youth, and the future election strategy is basically revolving around this huge population.
In this regard, election expert and former joint secretary of the EC, Dr. Md. Shahjahan, told Bangladesh Pratidin, "Our country's votes are basically divided into two or three parts. That continuity has been going on, there is not much manipulation. However, there is manipulation in the case of new voters, and it depends on how many young voters a party can attract through their election manifesto. Young voters are going to emerge as the real kingmakers in the elections. Almost one-third of the total voters are young, which is enough to change the fate of any political party.”
Analyzing the voter data, it is seen that the largest number of voters in the age group of 18 to 33 is between 26 and 29 years. Next is the number of voters in the age group of 22 to 25 years. Together, these two numbers are about 25 million voters. According to the final voter list of the Election Commission, the age-based calculation of young voters is being done. Currently, there are 85 lakh 31 thousand 538 people in the country in the age group of 18-21, 1 crore 19 lakh 62 thousand 106 voters in the age group of 22-25, 1 crore 21 lakh 66 thousand 162 people in the age group of 26-29, and 1 crore 6 lakh 86 thousand 615 voters in the age group of 30-33. According to the EC's calculations, the total number of young voters is around 45 million.
(Translated by Lutful Hoque)
