Exercising right to vote stressed on National Voters' Day 2020
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, January 25 2020: Chief Electoral Officer, Manipur, organised the 10th National Voters' Day 2020, under the theme "Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy", at JN Dance Acade- my, today.

The observation marked the foundation of the Election Commission of India and was also aimed at spreading awareness among the youths about the importance of casting their votes in favour of responsible candidates and to participate in the development of the country.

Speaking as the chief guest at the event, Chief Secretary Dr J Suresh Babu said that India is the largest democratic country where the people elect its own Government exercising the adult franchise.

Unless the people participate in the democratic process, the purpose of running a democracy is defeated.

Every person's contribution is essential.

Exercising right to vote stressed on National Voters' Day 2020

Everyone have the choice to decide, he said.

Dr Suresh Babu said that the primary concern is electoral roll preparation and the purity of electoral roll lies in allowing all the eligible voters to have right to vote.

The Election Commission has been organising an awareness campaign on the importance of participation of voters in the electoral process and this campaign does not favour any particular candidate or political party, he clarified.

It is time that every youngster in the family, motivate the family members to vote.

The responsibility has to be owned by the youths and they should pledge to make their family members cast their vote.

Once this generation is able to take the lead, democracy will survive and the value system, that has been enshrined in the Constitution of India, has to be taken as sole responsibility by every person, he added.

Congratulating the entire election machinery for successful conduct of Parlia- mentary elections in 2019 and the Imphal East district administration for bagging the National Award, the Chief Secretary said that the participation level of the people of Manipur in election is very good and hoped that the trend of highest percentage of voting continues in the coming years.

PK Singh, CEO, Manipur, in his welcome speech, said that the National Voters' Day is celebrated across the country.

The Lok Sabha Election 2019 was actually a festival of democracy.

Manipur recorded the highest voter turnout - number as well as percentage.

The SVEEP campaign was appreciated by all and the Election Commission of India (ECI) gave the responsibility of SVEEP campaign for the entire country.

For the first time, the Election Commission did the verification of voters, approaching every single voter, and was successful in reaching out to 97.3 per cent of the voters.

Epic number has increased to more than 67 per cent from 25 per cent, he said, expressing confidence that in the coming years 100 per cent of the voters will have PVC card.

State awards were distributed to selected RO, DEOs, AROs, EROs and BLOs for their contribution in election related activities.

Awards were also distributed to the newly enrolled voters and to the 8 State SVEEP icons selected from individuals having wide appeal in the State, individuals having non-partisan and non-political antecedents.

As a part of the observation, Dr J Suresh Babu inaugurated an exhibition and also took National Voters' pledge.

LM Khaute, DGP and Nungshitombi Athokpam, Secretary (Law) were present as guests of honour.

Naorem Praveen Singh, DC Imphal West, Neeta Arambam, DC Bishnupur, officials of CEO, Manipur, and students were also present as well.