Study reveals shift towards ‘utility voting’ in Puducherry electoral preferences

PUDUCHERRY: A comprehensive study titled "Report on Voter Preferences: Party Symbols vs Candidate Profiles in Electoral Choices" revealed a significant transformation in how citizens approach the ballot box.The concept and structure of this report were conceived and developed by students of the Department of Politics and International Studies, Pondicherry University, under the guidance of the Puducherry Election Watch coordinator, Joseph Victor Raj. The students of Tagore Arts College, Puducherry, conducted the essential ground-level data collection.The study finds that voters are increasingly pragmatic, with over 72% willing to overlook personal controversies in favour of a candidate who delivers results in public service.

While party symbols remain a traditional fixture, nearly half of the surveyed voters now prioritise the individual profile and merit of the candidate over party affiliation.The report highlights a concerning lack of transparency, noting that more than half of the electorate remains unaware of candidates' criminal backgrounds at the time of voting. This collaborative academic effort provides a rare window into the evolving psychology of the local electorate, moving away from "personality-driven" campaigns toward a demand for "Proof of Work", said Raj.