The Asian Network unveiled its election content in detail with a major survey of Asian voters, a live debate and special reports from key Asian communities across the UK taking place in the run up to the General Election on 6 May
BY RAJIB RAHMAN | APR 9, 2010
On 19 April, the station publishes the results of one of the biggest surveys of Asian voters ever undertaken in the UK. Recent research* from the University of Warwick shows that Asians could hold the key in a number of constituencies and this survey attempts to reveal whether or not it's true that turnout is much higher in Asian communities. It also aims to highlight the concerns that are most important to Asians in the upcoming election; whether a new government should be tougher on immigration and which party understands Asian issues best.
In the week after the poll, BBC Asian Network’s politics reporter Adam Pasternicki takes to the road to visit key Asian communities around the UK. Coming live from various locations including Peterborough, Bradford and Birmingham, he focuses on some of the issues highlighted in the survey as well as outlining some of the key Asian battlegrounds. The network is also recruiting three Asian floating voters to watch all the leader TV debates and give their reaction on who comes out best.
On Friday 23 April (1pm-3pm), the BBC Asian Network holds a live Election Debate Special on Nihal's phone-in show. Coming live from a London location, prominent Asian politicians, Ajmal Masroor (Liberal Democrats), Priti Patel (Conservative) and Sadiq Khan (Labour) take questions from a selected audience of listeners. The debate offers the opportunity for a no-hold-barred discussion about the dominant Asian issues in the upcoming Election.
In addition, there are separate debates on Nihal’s show in the run up to the Election, looking at the significant minor parties as well as specific voting issues affecting Asians in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The network will also have Asian Network Reports: Election Special podcasts online at www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork.
Last month, an Asian Network Reports Special looked at the Asian voting community, investigating the potential power of the Asian vote. Hearing from academics, prospective candidates and party activists, the documentary looked at what is being done to win over second and third generation British Asians.
To listen to the BBC Asian Network or for further information on its Election coverage, please visit - www.bbc.co.uk/asiannetwork.
