Exercising right to vote stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 25 2026: Manipur observed the 16th National Voters' Day at the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) at Lamphelpat today.

The day commemorating the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI) was observed under the theme "My India, My Vote: Indian Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy" throughout the States and Union Territories of the country.

A photo exhibition, distribution of prizes of a quiz competition and Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), and a pledge taking ceremony marked the day.

Additional Chief Secretary Vivek Kumar Dewangan, Director General of Police Rajiv Singh and CEO Manipur Dr Sailesh Kumar Chourasia attended the observance.

On the occasion, Additional CS VK Dewangan said the Election Commission of India (ECI) was founded on January 25, 1950, a day before the Constitution took effect on January 26, 1950 .

The National Voters' Day was first observed in 2011 to encourage citizens, especially youths to get enrolled as voters and participate in democracy, he said.

He underscored the importance of Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP), and said it is a flagship programme of the ECI for voter education, spreading voter awareness and promoting voter literacy in the country. He stressed that campaigns under the programme should reach schools and colleges and led the National Voters' Day pledge.

DGP Rajiv Singh underscored the importance of people's participation in a democracy. He said voters should be educated and informed, and take keen interest in the democratic processes.

He said the police and the security forces' role during elections is huge, and said their duty is to provide security, facilitate the conduct of a free and fair election.

CEO, Manipur, Sailesh Kumar Chourasia said the ECI strives to uphold the rights of voters, and make elections accessible and inclusive.

Prizes were distributed to winners of a quiz competition held on the theme of the National Voters' Day.

SVEEP campaign ambassadors were feted on the occasion.

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