Series of events to mark National Voters’ Day celebration
SHILLONG: There is an increase of 3.38 per cent in the number of voters in the updated draft rolls of the State with as many as 55,865 newly enrolled voters making it to the list.
Chief Electoral Officer FR Kharkongor said that in course of the summary revision period, the total number of claims received was 74,360, and after hearing and verification, total claims accepted were 62,975.
Altogether 7,110 deletions were made and 55,865 newly enrolled voters from amongst the eligible population were added to the electoral rolls as on date.
The total number of registered voters as on January 10, 2017, is 17,19,479 with 8,50,692 male and 8,68,787 female voters.
He further said that it will be the continued endeavour of the Election Department and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer to maximise the enrolment, especially amongst the above 18 and 19 year category through various targeted enrolment programmes and SVEEP activities. With this objective in mind, the Election Commission has selected the theme, “Empowering Young and Future voters”, for the forthcoming National Voters’ Day programme and also for all campaigns to be rolled out in the current year.
The Election Department and the office of the CEO is gearing up to observe the National Voters’ Day 2017 through a series of youthoriented programmes at the State, District, Sub-Division levels and in all 2771 polling stations.
According to Kharkongor, various programmes like a democracy run for 18-plus categories, first of its kind segway ride, aero modeling, kite flying, vintage car exhibition etc., are being planned for the National Voters’ Day celebration to attract the youth and educate and engage them in the enrolment process.
A musical event featuring Summersalt of Rock On 2 fame will be held to gain the attention of the youth.
Local role models like Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Dolyne Kharbhih and Andrea Tariang will be roped in as State icons for the National Voters’ Day.
At the district level, 64,456 EPIC cards will be distributed out of which 30,605 EPICs will go to the newly enrolled voters in the age group of 18-19 years.
Around 115 educational institutions will be involved in the National Voters Day observation and 251 special camps will also be held for surrender of duplicate EPICs, correction of entries and for facilitating new registrations. A formal programme will be held at the State level on January 25 to administer the Voters’ Pledge.
