Achieving increased voter turnout thrust of Hailakandi administration

March 19: The importance of achieving increased voter turnout, particularly among young and first-time voters, was stressed during the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) activities organised by the district administration with the participation of students from SS College here on Friday. Quite a good number of students participated in the programme, which included a variety of activities highlighting the need for increased voter participation.

Assistant Commissioner cum Officer Incharge SVEEP Cell, Sari L.Lungtau, who inspected and took part in the campaign, appealed to the students to ensure that their family members, relatives and friends also exercised their right to vote in the Assembly election on April 1. On the college premises, SVEEP member Shankar Choudhury administered the voter pledge to the students to not only vote in the elections but also ensure that their friends and relatives voted to further strengthen the edifice of democracy. Certificates were given to the first-time voters to motivate them on the occasion.

The district administration headed by Deputy Commissioner cum District Election Officer, Megh Nidhi Dahal, is using unconventional methods to reach out to voters. The administration, for example, is organising street plays, candle light march, voter express and selfie corner to encourage voters. Through the SVEEP plan, which comprises a range of policy initiatives and activities that aim to improve people’s participation in the electoral process, the EC wants to tackle problems like youth disconnect, urban apathy and push for ethical voting, and also inform the voters about registration, EPIC/identity proofs, timing of polls, location of polling booths etc and the button on the block, the NOTA.

As part of the plan, the administration’s special focus is on women, first-time voters and uneducated residents of inaccessible and remote areas. “The thrust is on driving home the point that only by electing the right candidates, voters can ensure better laws and improved governance,” said a senior official of the administration.