Shillong, Jan 25:Along with the rest of the country
in all polling stations, sub-divisional and district headquarters of the state.
Marking the celebration a run for democracy oraganised by the office of the chief electoral officer, Meghalaya was conducted in the capital city which was flagged off from the SosoTham Auditorium today.
The run for democracy aimed at spreading awareness to the people of the state as well as to ensure maximum participation in the upcoming elections and to inculcate a sense of responsibility among the people especially the youth.
The run saw the participation of 200 people, that includes the young and old. The runners passes through Police Bazaar, Motphran, Jeep Stand, GS Road, Stanley Roy Petrol Pump, Mawlai Nonglum, Mawlai Mawdatbaki, FCI, Mawroh, PTS, Golflinks, Polo Bazaar, Fourth Furlong, MES, Rynjah, Khlieh Nongthymmai, St Edmund’s and culminated at the starting point. Cash awards of Rs 25, 000, Rs 20, 000 and Rs 15, 000 were given to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners respectively.
Addressing the gathering Meghalaya additional chief secretary BK Dev Verma said that there has been an increase of 2.56 lakhs of voters in the state compared to the 2008 elections even as he appealed to the youths to exericise their franchise and make India a more vibrant and responsive democracy.
“The total number of voters this year is 14.89 lakhs, out of which 7.36 lakh are men and 7. 53 lakh are women.” He said there is an increase in the voting percentage in the last election.
Informing that the National Voters’ Day is being observed throughout the country with a theme ‘greater participation for a stronger democracy,” and the punch line for the event is ‘proud to be a voter – ready to vote.”
It was also informed that the initiative taken by the Election Commission of India was to give the youth a sense of empowerment, pride and participation, and inspire them to exercise their franchise, adding “It also aims to provide the unrepresented youth of the country an opportunity to give vent to their feelings and help them become a part of the political process.”
He further called on the voters to come forward and exercise their franchise on February 23 to ensure that we have a strong democracy in the state.
Later in the evening hot air balloon was released from the Deputy Commissioner’s office.(SP News)
