Voter participation in election process key for healthy democracy: Governor Biswabhusan Harichandan

Vijayawada, January 25 (prajaamaravathi): Andhra Pradesh Governor Sri Biswabhusan Harichandan has participated as Chief Guest at 13th National Voters Day celebrations held at Thummalapalli Kshetrayya Kalakshetram in Vijayawada on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Sri Harichandan said that the National Voters Day reaffirms the duty and the role of every citizen, to participate in the election by enrolling in the electoral rolls and the whole-hearted participation of all people in the electoral process, is the key factor for a healthy democracy. He said that role of the Election Commission in increasing the enrolment of voters in the country, by utilising occasions like National Voters Day, to make universal adult franchise a complete reality and enhance the quality of Indian democracy, is highly appreciable. He further said that this year, the National Voters Day is simultaneously being celebrated in all the 26 District Headquarters, 175 Assembly Constituencies Headquarters and at 27,077 Polling Station locations, at Booth-level across the State and distributed Voter ID cards to the newly registered voters, on the occasion. He further said that vote is a powerful tool and an invaluable right of every eligible citizen to participate in the process of governance, by exercising his or her choice through the process of universal adult franchise. “I call upon the youth of Andhra Pradesh, to voluntarily come forward and participate in the celebration of our democracy and said that the subject of elections, the process of voter registration, democracy and voting rights of citizens should be made part of learning for students at college education-level, to create awareness among the future voters,” said the Governor.

This year the 13th National Voters Day this year is being celebrated with the theme “Nothing like Voting, I Vote for Sure”. The National Voters Day is celebrated on the 25th January every year, the Foundation Day of the Election Commission of India. Earlier, Governor Sri Harichandan administered the Voter Pledge and distributed Voter ID cards to newly registered young persons and presented mementoes to the District Collectors, who enrolled maximum voters.

Dr. K. S. Jawahar Reddy, Chief Secretary, Sri R.P. Sisodia, Special Chief Secretary, Sri Mukesh Kumar Meena, Andhra Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer, Sri S. Dilli Rao, Collector, NTR District, and other dignitaries were among those who attended the programme.