For 19-year-old Zeba Ahamed from Coimbatore, it was an exciting experience to vote for the first time. But, like many other first-time voters, Zeba expects nothing but a transparent governance sending a strong message to the politicians, from the new government.

“We want a safer society for women. All the previous governments have failed to ensure it. We cannot keep quiet if the new government too remains silent on this issue,” she says.

Zeba is one of the many first timers, who do not take the responsibility lightly.

Apart from giving transparent governance, the youth who voted on Monday also sought special attention to education system and its upgradation. “Today’s colleges are collecting huge capitation fee from students. We hope the new government stops such activities,” says S. Saravanakumar, from Ramanathapuram.

Surprisingly, some of the first time voters revealed that they had surfed the internet and checked the background of the candidates in their respective constituencies.

According to C.A. Niveditha, an engineering student from Pappanaickenpalayam, she had gone through the manifestos of the parties to decide her choice.

“I wanted to know if my candidate is really worthy of my vote and I expect him/her to come to the constituency frequently to know the problems faced by us,” she adds.

Emphasising on the importance of youth welfare and employability of graduates, some first-time voters also claim that the involvement of youth should be given importance in politics.

“Youth are not being given enough opportunities in politics. This should change and the new government should make sure that no graduate is unemployed, and everyone gets equal opportunities,” says Vishnudharan K., from Pelamedu.