8 Unique and Differentiating Features of 2014 Polls

Option of E-Filing affidavits by candidates: The EC recently announced that candidates contesting in the upcoming election would be able to e-file their nominations and affidavits. The e-filing, a web-based form, would be in addition to filing the nomination in paper form.

This is a move aimed to bring about faster dissemination of information about the candidates and also to make sure no omission is made out of it. A press release of the 10th Annual Conference on Electoral and Political Reforms said "This move of the ECI holds the potential to accelerate the process of dissemination of information regarding the criminal, financial, educational and other background details of candidates contesting elections," reports IANS.

81.4 Crore Debutant voters: The 16th Lok Sabha polls will witness the largest ever population of eligible voters, led by over 81.4 crore voters, which is more than 10 crore since the last parliamentary election in 2009. Of which, more than 23 million voters comprises of younger generation aged between 18 and 19.

Among Indian states, Uttar Pradesh will have the highest potential first-time voters with 2.3 crore young people. They will account for 17.6 percent of the state's electorate of 12.9 crore. This if followed by Maharashtra with 1.05 crore first-time voters (13.2 percent of the state's electorate). Bihar is third with 94.3 lakh youths, followed by West Bengal with 90 lakh.
P Arokiasamy of the International Institute for Population Sciences said, "As per the latest census, UP and Bihar have the maximum number of children due to high birth rate. Naturally, there will be more young people eligible to vote," reports TNN.

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