By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: With the campaign for the February 23 Assembly elections getting over on Thursday, the State Election Department will initiate SMS campaigns urging the people to cast their ballot.
While imparting the message “Your vote counts,” road shows which include performance by rock bands, phawar (recital of traditional songs), pasting of posters and banners etc. will be organized in various parts of the city. Paragliding will also play its part to create enthusiasm among young voters.
The Chief Electoral Officer, P Naik on Thursday said that the new initiatives intend to achieve larger participation of the people in the ‘festival of democracy’.
The text messages, which will look to inspire the voters, will start reaching the people form Friday.
According to the official, the modern means of communication facilities which includes sending SMS will definitely attract the voters.
While Joe Mac (Akhia) and Greg Fancon ( Empirical Tribe) performed on Thursday at Firebrigade ground, the attraction at Mawali was Phawar and Freddy Thangkhiew (Midnight Garden factor).
The same road show will be repeated on Friday at Police Bazar and Laitumkhrah, Nazareth point.
Earlier, paragliding and graffiti were used to ensure registration of voters and the same means will now be used to pull the voters to the polling stations on Saturday.
The Election Department expects large turnout despite the 36-hour bandh called by the HNLC.