By Khalil Al-Qinai, KUNA,
Kuwait : Observers often wonder whether the large turnout at the campaign headquarters for seminars is an indication of a candidate’s chances of success, while others speculate over the ability of organized or disorganized masses to sway the public one way or the other.
Both voters and social science experts agree that having a large turnout at campaigning headquarters gives an impression of the strength of a candidate, but is often not enough to guarantee him or her a seat in the parliament.
In many cases, those attending are rallied from different constituencies just to show their numbers to competitors, while at times these gatherings are of tribal nature and are for moral support in the first degree.
Chairman of Kuwait University’s (KU) Social Science Department Bader Al-Essa told KUNA that large turnout at campaigning headquarters had a positive impact on the candidate even if many of those attending voted in different constituencies.
Al-Essa, who specializes in political and social development, added that voters were influenced by the masses out of lacking political awareness or because of the agendas of candidates were often shallow, with emphasis on provoking constituents rather that convincing them of ideas.
On his part, KU social science professor Dr. Khalid Al-Shallah told KUNA that electoral masses could not sway the convictions of the masses if they were experienced and knowledgeable.
He warned candidates that large turnouts was not an indication of success because many may have attended to find out more about a candidate and his or her agenda.
Meanwhile, voter Maha Al-Baghli, who worked as a volunteer for one of the candidates, said large turnout lifted a candidate’s spirit and gave him or her a positive image, namely that of having the charisma to attract people to come and listen.
As for Abdulaziz Nasrallah, another voter, he told KUNA that crowds were a main tool for measuring the success of a candidate, adding that some people did change their convictions after listening to a candidate.
Hamza Al-Salman, however, thought quite the opposite, and told KUNA that a large turnout did not necessarily indicate strength and was in no way a guarantee for success in the elections.
Ma’ali Al-Asousi, on her part, said many of those who came to seminars were there to form opinions about a certain topic and that it was common for them to be listed to vote in other constituencies.
The parliamentary elections are slated to take place May 17, and the five-constituency electoral system will be implemented for the first time.