Shillong, Jan 25: Chief Secretary DP Wahlang has urged the citizens to move out of their comfort zones and actively take part in the biggest festival of democracy on February 27.
Addressing the gathering at National Voter’s Day event at Old Assembly premises on Wednesday, Wahlang said that in the last general elections, a turnout of 86.65% was achieved and in order to achieve a threshold of at least 95% in the upcoming general elections, he wanted the citizens to move out of their comfort zones and actively take part in the biggest festival of democracy.
He pointed out that various events in the run upto the polls will be futile if the citizens do not go out and vote.
Wahlang also informed that there are 21.65 lakh voters in the state with 10.68 lakh comprising male voters and 10.92 lakh of female voters,.
He also acknowledged that Meghalaya is one of the few states where female voters are more than male voters. He added that there are 290 voters who are above 100 years of age and 22,658 voters who are above 80 years of age and also for the first time there are 2 voters from third gender and 7400 voters who are differently abled and 81,443 voters who are first time voters, comprising 4% of the total number of voters.
He also lauded the Election Commission for its initiatives in making sure more neutrality is embedded in the system and for providing facilities in polling stations such as drinking water, ramps for differently abled persons, electricity in remote locations and toilets.
The theme of the 13th National Voters Day was “Vote for Sure-Nothing like Voting”.
Chief Electoral Officer Frederick Kharkongor also spoke about the varied initiatives to help the voters and stressed on ethical voting.
Prizes were distributed to the winners of the 10 km, 5km and 1 km wheelchair marathon.
Awards were also presented to Best RJ Wheels of Democracy, Best performing Rangbah Shnong, Best performing Seng Samla in Roll 2 Poll Campaign- Mission Unite 2.0 and winners of various youth centric competitions.
Earlier in the day, the Wheels of Democracy was flagged off by the chief guest who administered the voter’s pledge, released the “I vote for sure” music video, survey report and Super Six photo book. The other highlights of the day included the Inclusive Drum beats of Democracy, a Saxophone performance – Notes of Democracy, Super Six ensemble performance and others.
