Shillong, January 25: Commemorating the foundation day of the Election Commission of India in 2011, the 14 th National Voters Day was observed today on the theme, “There is nothing like voting, I will definitely vote” The programme organized by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Meghalaya was held at U Soso Tham Auditorium, Shillong. Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, Shri. Phagu Chauhan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest while Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Shri. D P Wahlang was the Guest of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, the Hon’ble Governor reiterating the importance of exercising our franchise said that voting is not only our right but our constitutional responsibility. With approximately 100 crore voters, India is the largest democracy in the world and the Lok Sabha elections which will be held in our country this year, is the biggest single event in the world till date, he said.
Urging all citizens above the age of 18 to contribute in making our democracy even stronger he said that we all have to work together to fulfill this resolution by exercising our vote enthusiastically in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Hon’ble Governor expressed confidence that our efficient election machinery will complete such a big election in a peaceful and free-fair manner.
In his address, Shri. D P Wahlang stressed on the importance of electoral awareness and the importance of participating in the electoral process. Pointing out the power that a young voter holds in deciding the future of the country, he stressed on the need for legible voter to not only register themselves in the electoral roll but also to exercise their franchise.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Dr. B D R Tiwari informed that the State has had an increase of 1.42% in the number of voters, as per the final published photo electoral rolls. The total number of electors in Meghalaya currently stands at 22,17,100.
During the day, the Chief Guest and other dignitaries distributed epic cards to a chosen few first time voters and also gave away prizes to the winners of the Democracy Run held earlier on the day. Prizes were also distributed to winners of different youth centric competitions organized by the Model United Nations (MUN) and also to 3 best performing Block Level Officers (BLOs).
An information book on General Elections to Meghalaya Legislative Assembly 2023 and KAP Endline Survey Report for Citizens of Meghalaya was also released by the Chief Guest on the occasion. Earlier the Hon’ble Governor administered the National Voter’s Day pledge to mark the occasion.
A photo-exhibition on the history of the elections in the State was also organized on the day.
