SIKKIM: Sikkim has recently experienced a promising development regarding inclusivity in its electoral process. Sikkim's electoral arena has witnessed a significant breakthrough as five transgender people have been registered as voters for the first time. This landmark event denotes an important step towards acknowledging and integrating transgender residents into the democratic system, signifying a fresh era in the state's election history.
Sikkim currently has a total of 462,456 voters as of January 1st, 2024. This reflects an increase by 4,050 from the previous draft roll due to the recent special summary revision. The addition of new voters amounted to about 13,716 while there were slightly fewer registered individuals- with around9,666 deletions which mainly consistedof deceased persons and those who have permanently relocated outside Sikkim's jurisdiction area being subtracted in this update.
The presence of five transgender voters is a significant milestone, indicating Sikkim's progressive stance towards diversity and representation. The Chief Electoral Officer of Sikkim, D Anandan, highlighted the importance of this achievement in promoting an all-encompassing and democratic culture.
One crucial factor contributing to this optimistic transformation is the triumph of a determined attempt to include individuals with disabilities (PwD) in voting procedures. Through teamwork with the Women and Child Welfare Department, district collectors and Booth Level Officers took proactive measures by visiting PwDs' homes who may encounter obstacles when trying to visit registration centers.
Collaborative actions have paid off as exemplified by 3,856 registered disabled voters in Sikkim's voter list from January 1, 2024. D Anandan, the Chief Electoral Officer lauded this feat and encouraged individuals to recognize more qualified persons with disabilities' eligibility plays a critical role towards democratic progress.
Sikkim's dedication to promoting a more inclusive and participatory democracy is exemplified by the advancements made in voter inclusivity and diversity. These efforts pave the way for an electoral system that prioritizes representing all citizens' voices, emphasizing Sikkim's continual evolution towards greater inclusion.
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