SHILLONG/ Nongstoin/ NONGPOH/ MAWKYRWAT: Active participation of the people is crucial to preserve democracy empowering people to hold the government accountable and bring a change.
Speaking at the National Voters’ Day programme held at picturesque location of Ward’s Lake on Friday, additional chief secretary, Hector Marwein said people should exercise their voting rights to express their view about the government’s policies and programmes.
“Without participation of the people, democracy is meaningless. In a democracy, people have the right to vote unlike in a monarchy. Right to vote is a valuable right,” he said.
With the state Election department giving a major thrust to young voters, he said it is ballot and not the bullet to hold the government accountable and to bring a change in governance.
On the occasion, the voter helpline toll free number, 1950 was launched and EVM booklets were also released.
There is an addition of 46000 voters which takes the number up to 18, 92,000. The number of Persons With Disabilities enrolled so far is 4520.
A run was also held in the morning while photo and poster exhibition, boat race, free boat rides, zumba dance party etc were also organised.
The day was also observed by the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer (EL), Sohra Civil Sub-Division at Sohra Sports Stadium at Saitsohpen. J. Umdor, Extra Assistant Commissioner, Sohra Civil Sub-Division led the gathering in reading out the Pledge for National Voter’s Day 2019. EPIC cards for the newly enrolled voters were distributed.
In West Khasi Hills, the Run For Democracy Marathon was held in the morning and cash prizes was handed over to the winners by the District Election Officer(DEO) T Lyngwa followed by a felicitation and EPIC distribution to the first time voters, inauguration of the District Contact Center and ELCS, EVMs and VVPATs awareness at JNV school.
Similarly, the day was observed at the office of the Sub Divisional Officer (Election) Mairang at Kynshi-Bangla football playground where a marathon, auto rally, skit competition and other competition was held.
South West Khasi Hills District also witnessed also celebration the day at the Multipurpose Hall, Laitlawsang where Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo graced the occasion as the chief guest. Various competition were also held to mark the day. The Dc Laloo informed that the Election Commission has provided People with Disabilities (PWDs) with transportation facilities in order to exercise their rights. EPICs and Badges were also distributed to newly enrolled voters
Meanwhile, CRPF observed the day at North Eastern Sector HQr in Shillong where Prakash D, CRPF DG briefed the jawans about the importance of voting.
