National Voters Day observed in Meghalaya

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik has lauded the efforts put in by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer along with the District Election Officers (DEOs) for ensuring that the young voters take part in the electoral process. The 11th 'National Voters Day-2021' with the theme 'Making our voters empowered, vigilant, safe and informed' was observed at a function in Raj Bhavan, Shillong.

The Governor stated that due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the previous year, the Election Department was compelled to use virtual platforms for disseminating various voter's education programmes, awareness and campaigns and it is noteworthy to state that the department had introduced e-EPIC (electronic 'Electoral Photo Identity Cards') which is portable and downloadable.

He further stated that it was a matter of pride that Meghalaya has been awarded the 'Best Electoral Practices Award-2021' for conducting the 2018 Assembly Elections by the ECI; and hoped that the award would encourage the State Election Department to strive for better results.

He expressed happiness over the 2.59 per cent increase in the voting percentage and the increase in female voters turnout by 3.50 per cent in the last election compared to the previous years. He also urged all the eligible youths of the State to enroll, exercise their rights and to take part in keeping the ''Flame of Democracy'' alive.

IsawandaLaloo, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills stressed the need of active participation of the youths in the electoral process. Stating that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the electoral process was faced with many constraints, the DC expressed happiness over the hard work and commitment by the field-level functionaries and other stakeholders in ensuring the enrolment programmes were successful.

She also stated that the office of the District Election Officer had involved the traditional heads such as RangbahShnongs (Headmen) and Sordars of various localities to help in disseminating information and identifying new and prospective voters.

On the occasion, the Governor gave away prizes to the winners of the various competitions organised by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in collaboration with Meghalaya Model United Nations. Awards were also presented to best BLOs (Block Level Officers) and distributed EPICS to the newly enrolled voters. The 'Meghalaya Atlas and ELC Anthology' were also released on the day. The Governor also inaugurated the art and photography exhibition at the multicultural hall in Raj Bhavan.

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