The success of the previous campaign experiences during elections to the Lok sabha and the Bangalore City Corporation had strengthened PAC’s resolve to effect changes in the electoral systems and confidence in promoting transparency and citizen’s participation in the electoral process. During the 12th Lok sabha elections in 1998, a large-scale omission of names from the electoral rolls was observed. In response to this alarming situation, PAC constituted the Bangalore Citizens Joint Action Committee, comprised of 16 city-based NGOs and welfare associations, to coordinate the campaign.

Partner:The Times of India (TOI), a leading national newspaper, was partnered with PAC for this endeavour.

About the Campaign: A questionnaire was prepared which covered a wide range of relevant issues such as educational background, occupation, whether candidates reside in the constituency in which they are standing for election, criminal record, details of tax payments, public service record, changes to party affiliation, plans and priorities for the constituency and information on how the Local Area Development Fund would be used. The information collected was compiled and analysed. It was then published and disseminated across the city with the help of TOI.

Impact The impact assessment study of the campaign showed that the information published was perceived to be both credible and useful. As many as 77 percent of the respondents felt that it helped them in making a choice while voting, and over 50 percent of them revealed that their choice was based on the credentials of the candidates and not on party affiliation.