Say names missing from electoral lists, panel system for voting complicating process
Many citizens were allegedly confused due to the newly introduced panel system of voting. PIC/NIMESH DAVE
Several voters in Nerul expressed dissatisfaction and confusion during the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) elections held on Thursday, citing issues ranging from errors in voter lists to a lack of clarity in the new panel-based voting system.
Johnson KV, 68, a resident of Sector 18 in Nerul, said he was unhappy after his wife’s name was once again missing from the voter list. According to Johnson, the issue dates back to the previous election when her name was misspelt, preventing her from casting her vote. “The last time we came to vote, my wife’s name was listed, but it was misspelt, so she could not vote. This time I didn’t find her name. We live at the same address, so her name should have been there. I had to come alone to cast my vote,” he said.
Johnson also highlighted confusion caused by the newly introduced panel system of voting. “In this panel system, one symbol is visible in one panel, but in the other three panels, the symbol is not there. It creates confusion. I was searching for the candidate I wanted to vote for, but his name was not in the other panel. Many people who wanted to choose their candidate are unable to do so,” he said, adding that even polling officials inside the booth were unable to provide clear guidance. “I asked the officials, but they did not respond properly. Everything is said to be for the benefit of people, but that is not happening,” he remarked.
Further, Johnson questioned the development agenda being promised by candidates. “Now the only thing everyone talks about is redevelopment. NMMC is already taking care of everything. I don’t understand what development work they are going to do,” he said. He also noted that several voters were unable to find their names at designated booths and were redirected to other polling stations. Even Minister of Forests Ganesh Naik was reportedly seen waiting at a booth, and he shouted at the election officials about it.
Another senior citizen and resident of Nerul Sector 18, Shyam Amberkar, 74, who came along with his 73-year-old wife to vote, raised concerns about civic neglect in his area. “My main agenda is the garden in Sector 18. Only notorious activities happen there. People consume drugs and alcohol, and no action is taken. Senior citizens need the garden for walks,” he said.
Meanwhile, official data shared by Mahendra Konde, public relations officer, NMMC, voter turnout up to 3.30 pm stood at 45.51 per cent. Area-wise polling figures showed Belapur at 48.59 per cent, Nerul at 45.67 per cent, Vashi at 46.77 per cent, Turbhe at 43.54 per cent, Koparkhairane at 49.01 per cent, Ghansoli at 45.40 per cent, and Airoli at 45.13 per cent, while Digha recorded the lowest turnout at 40.85 per cent.
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