Manipur observes 16th National Voters' Day with emphasis on inclusive and informed participation
Source: The Sangai Express / DIOs

Jbm/Kpi/Spt/Kak/Ukl/Pzwl, January 25 2026: In line with the nationwide celebration, the districts of Jiribam, Kangpokpi, Senapati, Kakching, Ukhrul, Pherzawl and Thoubal observed the 16th National Voters' Day (NVD), 2026 on Sunday with a series of programmes highlighting the importance of electoral participation, particularly among first-time voters, under the theme "My India, My Vote" and the tagline "Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy" .

JIRIBAM

In Jiribam, the celebration was held at the conference hall of the DC office, where Deputy Commissioner Krishna Kumar, graced the occasion as chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, he underscored the significance of voting as a national duty and a vital component of nation-building, urging young and newly enrolled voters to exercise their franchise responsibly.

He also highlighted initiatives of the Election Commission of India to ensure inclusive participation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) by providing facilities such as wheelchairs and ramps at polling stations.

The Deputy Commissioner commended voters, women electors and the district election management team for the peaceful conduct of the 2024 Lok Sabha Election, and lauded the roles of ZEO, DCPO and ICDS for their effective coordination.

BLOs were felicitated with caps and T-shirts in recognition of their service, while newly registered voters were also honoured.

A quiz competition involving teams from various schools and institutions was also organised as part of the programme.

KANGPOKPI

Kangpokpi district observed the day at the Multipurpose Hall, SH-ADC.

Deputy Commissioner Mahesh Chaudhari, in his keynote address, described National Voters' Day as a tribute to the spirit of democracy and a platform to promote awareness, inclusivity and civic responsibility.

He elaborated on the vast and complex nature of India's electoral process, involving lakhs of personnel working in coordination to ensure transparency and integrity.

The DC urged first-time voters to obtain their voter IDs with correct details to avoid future complications and encouraged them to experience the empowerment of casting their first ballot.

As part of the celebration, a voter's pledge was administered and the best booth level officers were also presented to outstanding BLOs from the district.

SENAPATI

At Senapati, the 16th National Voters' Day was observed at the DRDA Conference Hall.

Additional District Election Officer and ADC of Senapati, Ningreigngam Leisan, addressed the gathering on behalf of the District Election Officer, highlighting the foundational role of the Election Commission of India and the importance of individual voters in strengthening democracy.

He stressed that the observance goes beyond ceremony, serving as a reminder of the link between civic participation, integrity and national unity.

The National Voters' Day pledge was administered, and best BLOs from different Assembly Constituencies were awarded appreciation certificates for their exemplary performance.

A total of 23 newly enrolled voters were felicitated with commemorative T-shirts and caps.

The observance was also carried out across polling stations in the district by respective BLOs in a befitting manner.

KAKCHING

In Kakching, the main programme was held at the Conference Hall of the DC Office, Kakching by the District Election Office.

The event was attended by ADM P Shantikumar Singh; AC to DC T Milikan Singh; SDO Kakching Kherdananda Potsangbam; Election Officer Thoubal/Kakching Yengkhom Rishikesh Singh, among others.

During the programme, EPIC cards, T-shirts and caps were distributed to the newly enrolled voters, and the National Voters' Day pledge was administered to all participants.

Similar observances were also held at the offices of the Sub-Divisional Offices at Kakching and Waikhong.

Certificates of appreciation were also presented to selected BLOs in recognition of their services.

UKHRUL

In Ukhrul, the District Election Office celebrated National Voters' Day at the DRDA Hall, Hamleikhong, Ukhrul.

Election Officer Ukhrul, Hormiton, in her keynote address, highlighted the importance of voters' participation as a cornerstone of democracy, stating that active and informed voters make democracy vibrant and effective.

She urged voters to update their EPIC cards in a timely manner to cooperate with BLOs during the ongoing SIR mapping exercise.

The National Voters' Day pledge was administered by AC Worshipem, Distric Coordinator, NYK Ukhrul.

First time voters were also felicitated with T-shirts and caps.

As part of the awareness drive, a walkathon covering approximately two kilometres was organised in the heart of Ukhrul town, with participation from students, political party representatives, officials and social organisation leaders.

PHERZAWL

In Pherzawl, the observance was held at the DC Office Conference Hall with a focus on encouraging ethical and responsible voting.

Deputy Commissioner Mannuamching distributed T-shirts and caps to newly enrolled voters and stressed the importance of voter enrolment and conscientious participation in elections.

She cautioned against impersonation and urged voters to uphold integrity of the electoral process by casting their votes personally and honestly.

The DC also acknowledged the crucial role played by BLOs in ensuring free, fair and inclusive elections.

A voters' pledge was administered during the programme, with participants reaffirming their commitment to uphold democratic values and exercise their right to vote responsibly.

Across all districts, the observance of National Voters' Day reaffirmed the administrations' commitment to inclusive democracy and to empowering citizens to exercise their franchise responsibly and with integrity.

THOUBAL

The National Voters' Day was also observed at the Election Counting Hall of the DC Office Complex, Thoubal, by the District Election Office, Thoubal, with emphasis on strengthening democratic participation and encouraging responsible voting.

The programme was attended by District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal, Yumnam Robita as chief guest; ADM Thoubal Aribam Amarjit Sharma as functional president and BDO Thoubal and ERO Khangabok, Surma Thiyam as guest of honour.

Districtlevel officers, representatives of political parties, and school students were also present on the occasion.

During the programme, the National Voters' pledge was also administered by the DEO/DC Thoubal, Yumnam Robita, reaffirming the commitment of participants to uphold democratic values and exercise their franchise responsibly.

Newly enrolled voters were also issued Election Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) as part of the observance.

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