Impact Assessment Study of PEVAC in Kerala

This study gained insight into voters’ awareness regarding increased participations of women, dalits and the under-privileged in the electoral process, decrease in incidents of non-rejection of votes, promotion of free and fair elections, and reduction of bogus votes cast.

Objectives

• To gain insight into the voters awareness regarding
  • Increased participation of women, dalits and under-privileged in the electoral process
  • Decrease in incidents of non-rejection of votes
  • Promotion of free and fair elections
  • Reduction of bogus votes cast
• To find out the perceptions of various categories of people regarding PEVAC activities.
• To identify the popular methods/activities carried out for sensitization and mobilization.
• To assess the IEC materials produced and the mode of distribution.
• To identify the various linkages established with NGOs, government departments and agencies, etc.
• To suggest appropriate steps to make the PEVAC program more effective and efficient.

Geographical spread

Carried out intensively in Kollam (140 respondents) and Kasargodu (135 respondents) districts and extensively in Trivandrum, Ernakulam and Wyanad districts (30 samples from each of the three; total 90 samples). Additionally, 35 key personnel – 6 potential candidates (3 per intensive districts), 10 media persons (2 per district) and 10 representatives from civil society organizations (2 per district). Total of 400 respondents.

Key areas/components

Interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and informal discussions were the methods adopted for collecting the information pertaining to the study. Secondary data included documents, reports, publications, publicity materials, etc. Study of the various inputs of PEVAC programme in terms of (a) popular methods/activities carried out, (b) publicity given thorough IEC materials, (c) Linkages with government, civil society organizations, media and other groups, and (d) areas covered though network partners.

Key outputs

• Impact/effectiveness according to the voters: personal profile of voters and the programmes in which they participated and liked most; usefulness of the programmes.
• Impact/effectiveness according to the key personnel.
• Effectiveness as per civil society organizations.
• Effectiveness as per potential candidates and effectiveness as per media.
• SWOT analysis and suggestions by respondents and recommendations.

Year/period

2005