Majority of voters want election by end of 2025

A recent nationwide survey conducted by Innovision Consulting has found a clear demand from voters for an early general election, with most respondents expressing a desire to see the polls held by the end of 2025. 

The survey, titled “People’s Election Pulse: Feb-March 2025,” gathered responses from 10,696 voters across Bangladesh, representing a wide range of demographics and regions.

The survey reveals that 59% of voters want the general election to take place by the end of 2025. 

Of these, 32% would prefer the election to occur in June, while 27% would like it to be held in December. 

On the other hand, only 11% support pushing the election beyond 2026, and 16% remain unsure about the timing.

In a concerning finding, half of the respondents admitted that they had not voted in any of the last three general elections. 

This includes 40% who have never voted and 10% who are new voters. 

This suggests a significant level of voter apathy, with many expressing frustration over previous elections and the political process in general.

When it comes to making their decision on who to vote for, respondents said they are increasingly focused on a candidate’s individual performance rather than loyalty to political parties. 

The survey shows that 38% of voters value a candidate’s track record as a Member of Parliament the most, while only 22% consistently vote for the same party. 

This highlights a growing trend where voters are looking for accountability and results, not just party affiliation.

The influence of local factors on voting decisions is also significant. 

Approximately 22% of voters reported that local party activities play a role in their decision-making, while 21% said religion-based politics influence their choices. 

Household influences were also strong, with 47% of respondents mentioning family members as key factors in their voting decisions, followed by 20% who noted the influence of neighbors.

The survey also highlighted the role of media in shaping voter preferences. 

Around 18% of respondents turn to social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok for their news, while 15% still rely on traditional sources such as television. 

This shows how younger voters, in particular, are relying more on digital sources for information.

Among voters who have not yet made a decision, 29% are still undecided about their vote, with 49% waiting to gather more information about the candidates and 34% keeping an eye on political developments before making their final choice. 

This uncertainty, combined with voter apathy from previous elections, points to a potential volatility in the upcoming polls.

The results of the survey indicate that many voters are dissatisfied with past political inaction and are placing greater importance on the individual merits of candidates rather than party loyalty. 

With almost half of the electorate abstaining from voting in the past, political parties are facing a significant challenge to engage these voters and demonstrate that they can provide meaningful change.

As the country prepares for the upcoming election, political parties are expected to focus on personalized campaigns and local outreach to win over the undecided voters and re-engage those who have been disconnected from the electoral process.

The survey’s findings underscore the need for a candidate-focused approach in the upcoming election, with political parties needing to prove their accountability and performance to win back the trust of voters who have long felt neglected. 

The coming months are set to be a crucial period as parties try to convince voters to return to the ballot box.