Mawkyrwat: The South West Khasi Hills district administration conducted Systematic Voter Education & Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programmes to create awareness and to sensitise voters about the importance and value of voting and functioning of EVM and VVPAT and Ranikor and here, a release issued here informed.
The four-day programme was organised from April 2 to 5.
Special emphasis was laid in places where there had been a low turn-out in previous elections due to the misconception about Aadhar, which led to fear of EVM and VVPAT.
Appeals were also made to headmen of the villages to be vigilant and to alert the people not to be carried away by rumour mongers spreading wrong notion about the voting machines.
Villagers of Mawsep, Mawthong, Mawthawpdah, Tynnai, Photjaud, Manad, Mawbidong and Mawrap in Mawkyrwat and Rangjadong and Ngunraw in Ranikor were misled about the Aadhar number and its link to the voting machines which led to the fear of EVM and VVPAT.
A special programme was also held for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Mawkyrwat where they were informed of the help that would be at hand to enable them to cast their votes. There would be PwD facilitators from the Social Welfare Department appointed at each polling station along with other volunteers to assist them.
A campaign to mobilise new voters in the 18-19 age group was also held at Mawkyrwat Market on April 5 on the theme “Who Run(s) the World?” in collaboration with the District Election Icons, Kmoinlang Wahlang (71 years), Dateibankynmaw Marwein (25 years), Bandasharai Marwein (22 years) and Lyntijingkyrmen Kharjahrin (7 years) who are prominent runners of the district who have represented the state at different marathons and running events, with an aim to encourage voter participation among the youth and to promote good health.
PwD Icon, Shemphang K. Syiemlieh, of the district was also facilitated and his achievements were highlighted to create an impact on the youths and the public.