Mnp. observes National Voters’ Day

Our Correspondent
Imphal, Jan. 25 (EMN): Manipur observed the 10th National Voters’ Day with the theme “Electoral literacy for stronger democracy” on Saturday at the JN Dance Academy in Imphal.

Speaking during the occasion, Chief Secretary Dr. J Suresh Babu said India is the largest democratic country in the world with the adult franchise where people elect their own government.

“Unless we participate in the democratic process, the purpose of running democracy is defeated,” he said.

He congratulated the state government and the people for the successful conduct of parliamentary elections in the recent Lok Sabha election and the Imphal east district administration for bagging a national award.

Stating that the participation level of the people of Manipur in election is good, he was optimistic that the trend of having the highest percentage of voting would continue in the coming years too.

Also, Chief Electoral Officer PK Singh said that the recent concluded Lok Sabha Election was ‘a festival of democracy.’

Manipur recorded the highest voter turnout number as well as percentage. The SVEEP campaign was appreciated by all and the Election Commission of India (ECI) gave the responsibility of SVEEP campaign for the entire country, he said.

For the first time, he said the Election Commission did verification of voters, approaching every single voter and successful in reaching out to 97.3 % of the voters.

Informing that the epic numbers has increased to more than 67% from 25%, he expressed his confidence that in the coming years 100% of the voters will have PVC card.

State awards were distributed to selected RO, DEOs, AROs, EROs and BLOs for their contribution in election related activities.

Awards were also distributed to the newly enrolled voter and to the eight state SVEEP icons.

The chief secretary also inaugurated an exhibition and administered the National Voters’ Day pledge.