SHILLONG/TURA/NONGSTOIN/NONGPOH/JOWAI: The seventh National Voters’ Day was celebrated across the State on Wednesday with an aim to empower young and future voters.
Several events, both sports and other competitions, were organised in different districts to encourage and make aware youngsters above the age of 18 years to vote for their rights.
In the city, the chief electoral officer (CEO) along with the East Khasi Hills sports officer organised ‘Run for Democracy’ that started from J.N Sports Complex at Polo. More than 1,700 people from all age groups and different walks of life participated in the event that was flagged off by CEO F.R Kharkongor. The CEO informed that the State got National CSO award for innovative SVEEP programme launched by the election commissioner’s office.
Chief Secretary K.S Kropha and Deputy Commissioner P.S Dkhar were among the dignitaries who were present at the function at the J.N Complex basketball court. Kropha, who was the chief guest, administered the NVD pledge and released a booklet, ‘Point to the Future’, on SVEEP activities initiated by the CEO.
It was followed by the prize distribution for the marathon. Synsharlang Wahlang won the first prize in the under-18 category male and Pynhun Chullet was the winner in the under-18 female category. In the 18-35 years male and female categories, Saroj Mangar and Kyntimon Marwein were the winners, respectively. Tlanding Wahlang and Daphika Pakyntein won the first prize in the above-35 years male and female categories, respectively. In the security personnel in uniform male and female categories, Anish Thapa and Siba Syngkli were the winners, respectively. Shanbormi Suchiang and Marden Soven Lyngkhoi were the winners in the persons with disabilities male and female categories, respectively.
In Ampati, South West Garo Hills, district election officer Cyril V. Darlong Diengdoh distributed voters’ identity cards after administering the NVD pledge.
There were competitive events and a mini exhibition at Ampati.
“National Voters’ Day is a celebration of democracy and a tribute to the Election Commission for upholding the principles of democracy by conducting free and fair elections,” said Diengdoh.
The total number of voters in the three assembly segments of the district — Ampati, Mahendraganj and Salmanpara — stands at 81,692 as on January 10.
Addressing the gathering in Jowai in West Jaintia Hills, Deputy Commissioner D.M Wahlang asked everyone to make use of their electoral photo identity card and participate in the electoral process. He urged the young voters to have a clear conscience franchising their right in the 2018 elections. An essay competition was held on the theme ‘Youth are the Driving Force towards a Vibrant Democracy’.
The main attractions in Jowai were the football match and kite-flying.
Amlarem too celebrated the National Voters’ Day with music, dance and pledge to vote. Local band Azarael’s performance was a big draw.
Cultural events, quiz competition, debate, painting and slogan writing competitions marked the day in Nongstoin. The day was celebrated on the campus of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya at Nongpyndeng.
Several dignitaries attended the programme and among the speakers were B.J Sawkmie, assistant professor at Lady Keane College, assistant deputy commissioner P.D Sangma and extra assistant commissioners S. Warjri and B. Ranee.
In Mawkyrwat in South West Khasi Hills, several competitions were organised at the district and the block levels on Wednesday.
Similar events were organised in Nongpoh in Ri Bhoi district. School students participated in essay competition, drawing and painting competition, extempore, slogan competition and an interactive programme held in all the five constituencies of Ri Bhoi.
Deputy Commissioner C.P Gotmare congratulated the newly enrolled voters for their participation and also lauded the Election Department for organising.
Members of the Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan performed a skit on the occasion.
In Tura in West Garo Hills district, Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi highlighted the importance of voting rights and called it a powerful medium of expression.
W.G Momin, President of Senior Citizens’ Forum, asked young voters to be careful while choosing the people’s representatives.
The newly registered voters of under North Tura (ST) and South Tura (ST) constituencies were felicitated and Electors Photo Identity cards were distributed. The best booth level officers under West Garo Hills District were also felicitated for their sincere dedication while discharging their duties.
