West Jaintia Hills celebrates 15th National Voters’ Day

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 25, 2025

The office of the Deputy Commissioner, Election Branch, West Jaintia Hills celebrated the 15th National Voters’ Day today. The event began with a pledge reading led by Deputy Commissioner B.S. Sohliya, where attendees reaffirmed their commitment to democratic values and active participation in the electoral process.

Deputy Commissioner B.S. Sohliya appreciated the first-time voters who received their Voter ID cards, commending them for following the prescribed procedure laid down by the Election Commission of India (ECI). He also thanked District ICONs Sawakani Lakiang and Alexander Lyngdoh for their efforts in helping the youth understand the significance of having a Voter ID card and raising awareness about issues such as drugs. He advised young voters to safeguard their Voter ID cards like other important documents.

In her introductory address, Additional Deputy Commissioner D.V. Lyngdoh provided an overview of the National Voters’ Day celebration, highlighting that the day is observed annually on January 25 to commemorate the foundation of the Election Commission of India in 1950. She emphasized that the primary objective of National Voters’ Day is to encourage voter registration, especially for first-time voters, and to promote informed participation in the electoral process. This year’s theme, “Nothing like voting, I vote for sure,” symbolizes the importance of voting in strengthening democracy.

The ADC elaborated on the symbolic importance of the National Voters’ Day logo, which showcases inclusivity and festivity. The Ashoka Chakra represents India’s status as the world’s largest democracy, the inked finger signifies active voter participation, and the tick mark reflects responsible choice-making.

NVD is celebrated across all 230 polling stations in the four assembly constituencies: Nartiang, Jowai, Raliang, and Mowkaiaw, where Booth Level Officers carried out activities such as pledge reading and felicitation of newly enrolled voters.

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District ICONs Alexander Lyngdoh and Sawakani Lakiang expressed their gratitude for being appointed as District ICONs. Alexander, the PWD Icon of the district, encouraged all PWD electors who have reached 18 years of age and do not have their Voter ID to enroll themselves.

As part of the celebration, Voter ID cards were distributed to a few newly enrolled voters by the Deputy Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioners, and Assistant Commissioner. Mementos of appreciation were also presented to Sawakani Lakiang and Alexander for their outstanding contribution to promoting voter awareness and participation.

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A total of 2,827 newly enrolled voters were felicitated today at their respective polling stations, adding to a total of 166,728 voters in the four assembly constituencies: Nartiang, Jowai, Raliang, and Mowkaiaw.

Prizes were also distributed to winners of the drawing competition conducted by the District School Education Officer, Jowai.

The programme was attended by the Rangbah Shnong, BLOs, newly enrolled voters, and staff of the Election Branch.

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