My India Times

2025-02-03

Gen Z and the Delhi Elections: A Deep Dive into Their Views on Freebies, Policies, and Political Campaigns

As Delhi inches closer to its highly anticipated state assembly elections, a new study highlights the evolving political consciousness of the city’s young voters. The findings paint a picture of a politically aware, issue-driven, and actively engaged Gen Z electorate that is ready to make informed choices at the ballot box. With strong opinions on policies, governance, and campaign strategies, these young voters are shaping the political landscape like never before.

High Political Awareness and Participation Among Young Voters in Delhi

One of the most striking findings of the study is the high level of political awareness among Gen Z voters. An overwhelming 88% of respondents reported that they are well-informed about the candidates contesting in their constituencies. This suggests that the younger generation is not just passively observing political events but is actively researching, analyzing, and making informed decisions about who they want to represent them.

Additionally, voter participation remains strong, with 71% of Gen Z respondents stating that they have voted in past elections or plan to do so this time. This contradicts the common stereotype that young people are indifferent to politics. However, challenges still exist—16% of young voters reported not having a voter ID, preventing them from participating in the electoral process. Meanwhile, 7.7% said they choose not to vote despite having a voter ID, and 5.1% felt that their vote would not make a significant difference.

Key Factors Influencing the Voting Decisions of Gen Z Voters

When it comes to making voting decisions, young voters prioritize substance over spectacle. The study reveals that 66% of respondents consider party manifestos as the most significant factor in their decision-making. This indicates a shift towards issue-based voting, where policies and promises play a central role in shaping electoral choices.

Candidate credibility is another crucial factor, with 62% of respondents stating that they evaluate the trustworthiness and track record of candidates before casting their vote. Interestingly, peer influence appears to have minimal impact, as only 19% of young voters admitted that their social circles play a role in their voting decisions. This suggests that Gen Z voters prefer to make independent, well-researched choices rather than being swayed by group opinions.

The Role of Freebies in Election Campaigns and Their Influence on Gen Z Voters

One of the most debated aspects of Indian elections is the role of freebies in influencing voter decisions. The study found that 74% of young voters believe that freebies play a role in swaying electoral outcomes. While this does not necessarily mean they support such giveaways, it underscores the fact that election-time promises of free electricity, water, and financial aid continue to be a significant factor in voter decision-making.

However, the study also suggests that Gen Z voters are increasingly looking beyond short-term benefits and focusing on long-term policies that will impact their future. This growing emphasis on sustainable development, job creation, and infrastructure improvement signals a shift towards more responsible voting behavior.

Young Voters Are Not Easily Swayed by Expensive Election Marketing Campaigns

Despite being digital natives and exposed to aggressive political marketing strategies, young voters in Delhi remain skeptical about election campaigns. Nearly two-thirds of respondents reported that they are not influenced by political advertisements, rallies, and large-scale promotional efforts. Only 37% believe that election marketing is purely about money, indicating that flashy advertisements and high-budget campaigns do not necessarily translate into voter support.

This suggests that while political parties invest heavily in digital campaigns and promotional events, they must also focus on genuine engagement, transparent communication, and issue-based discussions to win the trust of young voters.

The Most Pressing Issues That Matter to Young Voters in Delhi

When asked about the key issues that concern them the most, Delhi’s young voters identified three major areas of focus:

Women’s Safety: Topping the list, 85% of respondents cited women’s safety as their biggest concern. This reflects growing demands for better law enforcement, improved security measures, and policy initiatives that ensure a safer environment for women in the city.
Unemployment: A significant 60% of respondents highlighted unemployment as a major issue, emphasizing the need for more job opportunities, skill development programs, and economic reforms that cater to the younger workforce.
Pollution: With Delhi frequently ranking as one of the most polluted cities in the world, 56% of respondents expressed concerns about air quality and environmental sustainability. Calls for stricter pollution control measures and better urban planning have gained momentum among young voters.

Additionally, 44% of respondents rated Delhi’s law and order situation as poor, indicating that crime prevention and governance remain crucial factors in their electoral decisions.

How Gen Z Voters Consume Political Information and Their Growing Distrust of Mainstream Media

The study also sheds light on where young voters get their political information from and how they perceive traditional news sources. More than half (53%) of respondents believe that mainstream media is biased, leading many to seek alternative sources of information.

The findings indicate a growing reliance on digital platforms:

35% of Gen Z voters prefer social media as their primary news source.
26% turn to independent blogs and websites for unbiased political analysis.

This shift reflects the increasing role of social media platforms in shaping political opinions and voter engagement, as well as a desire for more diverse and transparent news sources.

A Generation That Is Politically Informed and Ready to Shape the Future

The findings from this study reveal that Gen Z voters in Delhi are not just passive observers but active participants in the democratic process. They are informed, engaged, and deeply invested in issues that directly impact their lives. From advocating for women’s safety and employment opportunities to demanding cleaner air and better governance, young voters are making their voices heard in a way that challenges traditional political narratives.

As a generation that has grown up in the digital age, Gen Z is leveraging technology to stay informed and hold political leaders accountable. They are rejecting superficial campaign tactics, questioning media biases, and prioritizing policies over rhetoric. Their commitment to making a difference in the upcoming elections highlights their role as a driving force in shaping the future of Delhi and beyond.

In the words of a key researcher behind the study, "Contrary to popular belief, young voters in Delhi are well-informed, engaged, and eager to make a difference in the upcoming elections. As a digitally native generation, they rely on social media and independent blogs for information, which has significantly enhanced their awareness of candidates and party manifestos. Not only are Gen Z voters informed, but they are also deeply committed to the electoral process. They are prioritizing a safer environment for women, greater job opportunities, and cleaner air, making it clear that their vote is driven by issues that shape their future."

This new wave of politically conscious young voters is set to leave a lasting impact on Delhi’s electoral landscape, proving that the future of Indian democracy is in capable and informed hands.