Historic voter turnout in LS, Assembly polls reflects people’s strong faith in democracy: J&K LG

Jammu, Jan 25 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday attended the 15th National Voters’ Day celebrations here, highlighting that the historic voter turnout in Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the Union Territory last year reflects strong faith of its people in democratic values.

Sinha congratulated the Chief Electoral Officer J-K and his team for the prestigious ‘Best Performing State/UT Award’ from Election Commission of India.

He expressed his deep gratitude to the people of J-K, officials of the National Election Commission and Election department, police, security forces, officials and all the stakeholders for the fair, transparent and successful conduct of Lok Sabha and J-K Legislative Assembly elections last year.

“Historic voter turnout in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections reflects strong faith of people of J-K in democratic values and a renewed spirit of civic participation and hope for a new era wherein democracy is taking root more profoundly than ever before, driven by the will of people,” the Lt Governor said, addressing the function.

Highlighting the valuable contribution of the ECI, Sinha said its meticulous planning and constant vigil have ensured that the J-K elections this time have been smooth and streamlined, with no repolls.

All political parties unanimously accepted that this was the most fair, transparent, peaceful and spectacular elections in Jammu Kashmir, he added.

“Our cultural ethos focuses on democratic values of freedom, equality and inclusiveness and gives its common citizens an opportunity to live a quality and dignified life. Will of the people in our country is an age-old concept and that’s why India is called the ‘Mother of Democracy’,” Sinha said.

He said the theme for this year’s National Voters’ Day ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure’ underlines the power of every vote and emphasizes that voting transcends all barriers, reflecting the true spirit of voting rights.

“Indian democracy is truly a festive proclamation of cooperation, collaboration, peace and collective strength of the people. India is among the select few countries where democratic ideals are strongest and foremost,” he said.

“I am proud that today many countries in the Global North and Global South are learning from India the ways of conducting fair and transparent elections,” the LG said.

Sinha appreciated the efforts of the Chief Electoral Office for successful summary revision of electoral rolls, after delimitation and preparing the voters list of 89 lakh voters and ensuring that transparent and fair voting took place at all 11,838 polling stations.

He said the significant increase in the voter turnout during these elections is testament to the dedicated efforts of the election machinery of the Union Territory.

The LG emphasised that awareness campaigns should continue to make all sections of the society aware of the power of their vote.

He said the biggest objective of the celebration of National Voters’ Day is to motivate the eligible youth to participate in the voting process.

The Lt Governor also congratulated Deputy Commissioner, Doda Harvinder Singh, and SSP Pulwama, P D Nitya who have been awarded for best electoral practices.

On the occasion, Sinha administered the National Voters’ Day pledge to the officials and the people.

The Lt Governor, meanwhile, flagged off a mobile vehicle “Democracy on Wheels”, which will serve as an innovative tool to educate students about the importance of voting and the election process.

He inaugurated a regional EVM warehouse here and also felicitated the newly registered voters.