SHILLONG, Jan 10: Some 300 polling stations across Meghalaya have a far less voter turnout when compared to the state’s average, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Frederick R Kharkongor said on Tuesday.
The voter turnout in these polling stations is less than 20%. The Election Commission will give special focus to them under an initiative called “Mission 300”, he said.
“We have instructed the Deputy Commissioners to give special efforts in these polling stations to increase the voter turnout in the upcoming elections,” Kharkongor said.
Stating that the voter turnout was almost 87% in the last Assembly polls, he said the Commission will try to increase it to 90% by improving the voting percentage in the 300 polling stations in question. He said the Commission will highlight some unique polling stations in the state.
Citing an example, Kharkongor said there are two polling stations – Kamsing in Amlarem and Kalatek in Shella – where the election officials will have to go by boats. He also mentioned Nongriat. One needs to walk for hours to reach this village.
“We also have a polling station in Sutnga-Saipung constituency where only the Biates tribes are settled. There are many polling stations in Garo Hills which can be accessed by way of makeshift wooden bridge,” the CEO said.
He said the Commission has already started “Mission UNITE” to improve enrollment in those polling stations where it is less than 30%.
“We had worked with SVEEP partners, election icons and FM stations. We also had a mobile studio shift which visited from one place to another to motivate voters with the help of RJs to try and enrol people,” he said.
The CEO said Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar will launch the “Super 6” programme initiated by the state election department.
Talking about this programme, he said the Commission will try to enlighten the electorates on the six spokes which move the wheels of democracy – inclusive (senior citizens), accessible (PWDs), participative (women), ethical voting, transparent (EVM-VVPAT) and free & fair (youth).
“Through this programme, we will reach out to people and tell them why they need to go and cast their votes,” the CEO said.
Another initiative is ethical voting.
“We have heard about money being distributed. People are concerned about it but we cannot do anything since the model code of conduct is yet to be enforced. The Deputy Commissioners will have to look into this aspect in accordance with the normal process of law,” Kharkongor said.
“The various enforcement agencies like the police and Income Tax department will monitor and look into complaints to curb the menace of money power during elections,” he added.
He also said that the Commission will continue with the tradition of felicitating the first five early voters with medals and first-time voters with certificates.
“We will also have model polling stations where tradition and culture of the state would be showcased. We will have eco-friendly polling stations,” Kharkongor said.
He said the Commission will try to come up with youth-managed or assisted polling stations to encourage the young voters.
“The polling officers in these polling stations will be young government officials. We will have 120 women polling stations,” he further said.
