Young voters' key role in country's 9th parliamentary elections

18 Feb, 2008

Huge enthusiasm and excitement is being witnessed especially among the youths ahead of country's crucial parliamentary general elections due today (Monday) across the country.
The voters who recently joined the club of eligible voters after attaining the age of 18 are very keen and looking forward to participate in their maiden polling in the country's 9th general elections to cast their votes.
The young and enthusiastic voters have decorated themselves with their party flags, stickers, photographs of contesting candidates and caps, stirring in new life in the election campaign. Likewise during nights, future builders of the nation, were seen roaming streets with their party symbols like lantern, bicycles, lions and arrows artistically decorated giving festive look. These young lots curiously asked about procedure about balloting by their relatives and elders.
"I am very excited. I am looking forward to put my input in the elections for stability of my country," Khurshid Alam, a young voter from village Dheri Mian Ishaq of Nowshera district told APP.
"I will visit poling station Dheri Mian Ishaq along with my father as early as possible to cast my first ever vote to avoid rush later on where tough contest is expected between PPPP's Engr Tariq Khattak and ANP's Tariq Hameed Khattak on NA-5 Nowshera-I," said Khurshid with smile on his face.
"My priority will be to cast my vote in favour of those candidates who have solid programme for solution of the problems of people problems like employment, quality education, health, and problems that faced the country's today."
Alam who obtained Master degree in Public Administration from University of Peshawar said that he and his college and university's fellows had recently completed voters education programme for farmers, labours and peasants education in rural areas in Nowshera and hopefully it would have a very positive impact on the overall election results in the district.
Central Secretary General PML (N) and Candidate for NA-3 Peshawar, Engr Iqbal Zafar Jhegra when contacted told that he was optimistic that participation of young voters in general elections will create positive impact in bringing changes in the political landscape and addressing issues that the country faced today. "Young and educated voters are taking keen interest in the country's politics, which was a good omen for the national politics as they have to work in future for the establishment of genuine democracy, rule of law and strengthening of democratic institutions," he added.
The impact of young voters in winning or losing will be high in urban areas compare to rural due to high education ratio, he added. Political observers said that participation of young voters will help increase the overall turn out in the election and a better parliament will emerge that will contribute significantly to steer the country out of the current turmoil and take it to a new heights of prosperity and development.

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