Abstract:

This article examines the political behaviour of voters and electoral participation patterns in Hiyanglam Assembly Constituency of Manipur from 2012 to 2022, analysing three consecutive elections. The article aims to understand democratic participation, voting behavior, and political transformation in Hiyanglam constituency. The article intends to find shifts in political allegiance, voter turnout patterns, and party competition dynamics. The findings indicate a transition from Congress dominance to the BJP's emergence at the national level, which led to a change in voter behaviour. The constituency witnessed voter turnout rates of approximately 79.19% in 2012, 84% in 2017, and 94.82% in 2022, reflecting increasing democratic engagement. The voter who had the right to vote and no right to be elected had a unique behaviour, which will be related in this article. The study contributes to understanding the complex political situation of Manipur and Hiyanglam constituency and how the democratic process works successfully despite numerous hindrances.

Keywords:

Voter’s Behaviour, Hiyanglam Constituency, Manipur political unrest, voter turnout, democratic engagement.

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Methods