Imphal, September 13, 2010: A two-day photo exhibition organized in connection with the diamond jubilee of celebration of the Election Commission of India (ECI) was opened today by Governor Gurbachan Jagat at the Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong Adimjati complex.

The inaugural function of the photo exhibition "India and Election" held under the theme "Greater Participation for a Stronger Democracy" was organized jointly by the ECI and DAVP (Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity).

The photo displays seek to provide glimpses of India's electoral process over the last 60 years, a process inseparable from the country's democratic practice.

Deputy Election Commissioner JP Prakash of ECI, New Delhi, Chief Electoral Officer PC Lamkunga of state Election Office, Deputy Director K Ratamani of DAVP Regional Officer, Guwahati, were among the dignitaries present at the inaugural function.

Addressing the inaugural function as chief guest, Governor Gurbachan Jagat expressed pride for the citizens of India, the world's largest democracy and said "Despite several hurdles and handicaps, our democracy has shown to the world its glory and motivated other nations to follow our path".

He said that democracy entails the two systems of popular control over collective decision making, an equality of rights in the exercise of popular control.

The representative system is the best system so far devised for securing popular control over the government in circumstances where the number of citizens is very vast and numerous.

Asserting that all citizens do not have the time to devote themselves continuously to political affairs, the chief guest said this popular control is effective only if elections are held in a free and fair manner.

The photo exhibition will not only commemorate the momentous diamond jubilee year of the ECI but also will highlight the achievements of the Commission during the last 60 years.

It will enhance the knowledge and importance of elections among the people, he said.

The two-day photo exhibition is being held as a part of a year long celebration of the 60 years of existence of the Commission.

The Commission is holding such exhibitions across the states in the country in a series.

Some photos related with elections held in Manipur are also a display.

On the occasion, the Governor also released a booklet of statistical data of the 15th Lok Sabha held in 2009.

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