Meghalaya legislators exercise franchise in green polling booth

SHILLONG, July 18: In what was an unprecedented sight to behold, state legislators on Monday exercised their franchise for Presidential election in a green polling booth here, sending a message for the need to be environment-friendly and showcasing the organic heritage of Meghalaya.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) FR Kharkongor said the Election department decided to showcase the organic heritage of Meghalaya on Presidential election not only because it is an election to the highest constitutional post and all legislators are under one roof but also because the state is well known for being rooted in nature.
A green polling station, which was set up for the first time in the Annexe Hall within the premises of the Assembly Secretariat at Rilbong, using local handicrafts and eco-friendly materials that reflected Meghalaya’s “organic heritage of being rooted in nature, connected to culture”. In addition, the corridors had a green display and showcased the practice of electoral democracy in Meghalaya since ages.
The Election department also made use of Knup, a traditional rainshield all of the Khasis, to display the rich culture and diversity of the tribal handicrafts in Meghalaya.
The CEO had earlier said that the green polling station is envisaged as a model green polling booth and all materials utilised are 100 per cent eco-friendly, designed by local artisans and embellished with traditional Meghalaya flavours.
“Biodegradable materials are the central focus, with zero use of single-use plastic in both venue design and layout. Extensive use of locally sourced bamboo, pottery, local handloom and handicrafts is another key highlight of the green polling station, anchored on promotion of the sustainability of green systems and biodiversity,” Kharkongor had said.