SHILLONG:
Meghalaya observed the 12th edition of National Voters’ Day (NVD) with much grandeur, on January 25. The day kicked off with a walkathon – Walk for Democracy – which was flagged off by Isawanda Laloo, deputy commissioner, East Khasi Hills. The walkathon started from Don Bosco and culminated at U Soso Tham Auditorium.
Delving into the theme of Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible & Participative, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Meghalaya organised state-level celebrations at U Soso Tham Auditorium. RV Suchiang, chief secretary to the state government, graced the occasion as the chief guest.
Administering a voter’s pledge, Suchiang emphasised on the need to employ technology and reach out to every voter through online engagement to ensure that “no voter is left behind”.
She further urged the election machinery to respond to the challenges of conducting elections during the pandemic, especially in the context of the forthcoming general elections in 2023, which, she said, will be held in 60 assembly constituencies and across 3335 polling stations.
The programme was also attended by chief electoral officer FR Kharkongor, senior government officials, head of educational institutions, disability NGOs, creative artists, state and district booth level officers (BLO) and disability icons along with various youth organisations and students.
Addressing the gathering, Kharkongor said the progressive and dynamic approach of the Election Commission of India (ECI) in adopting the latest technologies and initiatives – NVSP (National Voters Service Portal), Voter Helpline App and the BLO GARUDA App – to reach out, educate, and improve electoral literacy.
The CEO also informed that doorstep delivery of EPICs, the identity documents, will be available in four constituencies – two each in rural Chokpot and Ranikor and Urban Shillong South and Tura South.
In the run-up to the assembly elections 2023, Kharkongor said that more efforts will be taken by the election machinery for online engagement to ensure Covid safe elections and Covid appropriate behaviour through a contactless and digital medium, and online outreach activities.
The programme witnessed the inauguration of a specially curated photo exhibition called “Democracy@50” showcasing Meghalaya elections at the time of statehood. A special musical choreography on – Why stand in line when you can do it online by RITI Academy – too was performed by disability icons Light after Dark and singing sisters duo – Catliypz – presented a special electoral duet.
In the programme, EPICs were also distributed to the newly enrolled voters along with a special voter’s kit which was launched at this year’s NVD. Two special publications – The BLO Ready Reckoner and Directory and the ELC Electorama Volume – II on the activities of the Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) were also released by the dignitaries.
During the programme, S Basiawmoit and M Warjri were felicitated as state and district-level icons respectively, in recognition of their dedicated services BLOs.