Ethical voting campaign for Tura bye-polls

TURA, APR 26: The West Garo hills district administration on Thursday launched ethical campaign to inform and enlighten the voters for the upcoming May 16 bye-poll.

The campaign was held at Don Bosco College, Icfai University Meghalaya and at Chandmari Sumo stand. The awareness session was conducted by journalist Saidul Khan, who asked the students to create consciousness amongst electorates in their neighbourhood.

He motivated the students to come out in large number to exercise their franchise to strengthen the democratic system. He told the students at different session not to get induced by money or muscle power.

He also asked the students to interact with the candidates, while they campaign in their town and villages and enquire about their vision and mission.

“Listen to all candidates and make a conscious decision. Your vote counts, so don’t just vote for the sake of it. Vote to ensure that you have a representative, who will raise your issues in the parliament”, said Khan.

Speaking on the campaign, which is part a component of SVEEP activities, the deputy commissioner of West Garo hills Pravin Bakshi said, “We need to educate the young voters and armed them with information to help them cast an enlightened vote”.

Apart from institutions, the ethical campaign will be held at market places and localities to enhance voter’s turnout.

“As per the mandate of the Election Commission of India, we feel that it is not enough to only inform voters about election dates. In order to help them take an informed decision, it is quintessential to sensitize them about the importance of participating in the electoral process”, said Bakshi.

He said that apart from sensitization programme, the administration has put up hoarding, banners and posters to create awareness amongst the masses. Bakshi informed that to promote democratic values, the ethical campaign will leverage both online and offline channels to make voters aware of the value of their invaluable vote and how each vote can strengthen democracy.

In 2014 Lok Sabha election, the administration had undertaken similar exercise and the turnout in Tura, where urban voters shows reluctance witnessed a good turnout of more than 75 per cent.

He also took the opportunity to make an appeal to urge the electorates of Garo hills to come out and take active part in the electoral process.-From Our Correspondent