With several hours left for Khulna City Corporation election young and floating voters are yet undecided on which candidate they will vote for.
The Dhaka Tribune spoke to 50 voters, who are not part of any political party at Shibbari intersection in Khulna city.
Rashedul Hasan (not real name), a student of Khulna University, said he is yet to decide on casting his vote.
“I don’t know whether I will cast my vote or not. Even if I do, I am not sure who I will vote for,” he said.
However, Rashed said he is observing the situation and will make a decision on voting day.
Among the total 493,107 voters, nearly 100,000 live in slums, 60,000 are working class , most of whom know more or less who they will vote for.
But according to Khulna civil society members and political parties, nearly 200,000 floating voters will cast votes this year who will determine the outcome.
Zerin Akter, a computer science student of Khulna University, told the Dhaka Tribune she has no faith in politics and election as politicians are corrupt and indifferent to people’s demand.
“I am not going to cast my vote,” she said.
Rifat Hossain, who works at a private firm, said: “This is a partisan election and I am not part of any political party. I am not interested about any candidate but I will cast my vote as it is my right.”
However, he refused to disclose who he is going to vote.
Several civil society members of Khulna said candidates always promise to make Khulna a world class city but they never keep their promises. This time also, candidates make such pledges but young and floating voters do not believe them.
Kudrot e Khuda, general secretary of Sushasoner Jonno Nagorik Khulna, said: “The candidate who gets the vote of floating voters will definitely win the mayoral race.”
Socheton Nagorik Committee President Prof Anowarul Kadir said: “Awami League and BNP have nominated their best candidates but floating and neutral young voters will elect the winner. The candidate, who wins the hearts of floating voters with his behaviour and promise, will get their votes.”