The silent majority will play a crucial role in deciding the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections to the Shillong seat and not the noise made on the streets during the campaign.
This is the view of the United Democratic Party (UDP), who together with the Hills State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP), have fielded a candidate in former pressure group leader, Robertjune Kharjahrin, under the banner of the Regional Democratic Alliance (RDA).
UDP working president Titosstarwell Chyne said it would be difficult to forecast election results but silent voters would play a crucial role.
He said that the crowd that shouts on the streets consists of only 10-20 per cent of voters, whereas 80 per cent forms a majority called the silent voters. “Therefore, judging the election result based on the noise we hear on the streets may not be accurate,” Chyne said.
He said that while the noise may give the VPP candidate an edge, it is uncertain whether it will convert into votes.
While some voters may prioritise the national parties, others may remain loyal to the regional party, Chyne added that the UDP is hopeful of retaining its vote bank, consisting of 12 MLAs and 16 MDCs, which can translate into positive results.
