A survey reveals that the chief ministerial candidate is the most important factor influencing voter behaviour in the state

As Rajasthan heads for polling on December 7,  a survey conducted by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has identified key factors that people take into consideration before casting their vote.

Counting of votes will happen on December 11 along with Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram and Telangana.

Respondents were asked about the reason they would vote for a particular candidate. They were given five factors: candidate, party, party’s chief ministerial candidate, religion and caste. Respondents were asked to rank each of these as either ‘very important’, ‘important’ or ‘not important’.

The survey reveals that the chief ministerial candidate is the most important factor influencing voter behaviour in the state.

This was followed by the candidate’s party and the candidate. Distribution of cash, liquor or gifts and the candidate’s caste or religion were the least important factors influencing voter behaviour, the survey further found.

Here’s how various factors influence voting behaviour in Rajasthan, in depth:

Candidate

Around 48 percent of the respondents said the candidate in their constituency was an ‘important’ factor. About 28 percent felt it was ‘not important’ and another 24 percent respondents felt it was ‘very important’.

Candidate’s party

About 43 percent respondents said the candidate’s party was ‘very important’ to them. Around 26 percent and 31 percent of the respondents said it was ‘not important’ or ‘important’ respectively.

Candidate’s caste or religion

When asked about if a candidate’s caste or religion influenced their decision to vote for them, 72 percent respondents said it was ‘not important’. This was followed by 15 percent who said it was ‘important’ and 13 percent suggested it was ‘very important’.

Chief Ministerial candidate

Only 3 percent of the respondents said the chief ministerial candidate of a party was a factor they think is ‘not important’ while casting their vote. About 32 percent said it was ‘important’.

A wide majority (65 percent) said a party’s chief ministerial candidate was ‘very important’.

While former Union minister Sachin Pilot and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot are face of the Congress’ campaign in the state, the Rahul Gandhi-led party has stopped short of declaring a chief ministerial candidate.

On the other hand, the incumbent BJP has declared Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje as their candidate for the top job in the state. This could negatively impact the Congress to some extent.

Distribution of cash, liquor or gifts

Around 76 percent of the respondents said distribution of cash, liquor or gifts by candidates or political parties was ‘not important’. About 9 percent respondents said it was ‘important’ and 15 percent said it was ‘very important’.

Social influence on voting behaviour

The survey found that 61 percent voted on their own. About 18 percent were influenced by their spouse while 18 percent were influenced by other family members.

Around 2 percent of the respondents said friends and neighbours influenced their voting behaviour and 1 percent said their caste or community leader did so.

Additionally, the survey also found that 18 percent of the respondents were aware of the instances of the distribution of cash, gifts, money or liquor.

About 36 percent people were aware that they can get information on criminal backgrounds of the candidates and 94 percent of the respondents think that they should not vote for individuals with a criminal record.

Around 97 percent of the respondents think that someone with a criminal case should not be in the Legislative Assembly or Parliament.