SHILLONG: It is not often that the election department of a state government takes the initiative to woo voters to come out and exercise their franchise in large numbers. Usually, it is for the political parties to do so.
The election department of Meghalaya has, however, set an example of sorts. The office of the Chief Electoral Officer has taken innovate steps of graffiti painting along the city walls to catch the attention of voter, urging them to vote.
Slogans like: “If you do not vote, who will speak for you,” and “A place to live, a place to learn and a place to …” (pointing to an EVM), are written on the walls of the State Central Library and the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, along with painted graffiti.
Painter from Meghalaya Fine Arts and Crafts Society Casper Syiem said that the students were using various kinds of slogan which conveyed the message that voting was important to elect an efficient representative. The artist said they
were painting graffiti and slogans which would inspire youths to realize the importance of exercising their right to franchise. He said that the Office of the Deputy Commissioner was providing them with support and funding.
The office of the CEO is committed to increase the voting percentage to 75 percent this Lok Sabha election. The voting percentage in the 2009 Lok Sabha election was around 65 percent. Apart from graffiti painting, the CEO’s office is also organising initiative like kite flying to woo the young voters of the state.
