3.38 % new voters enrolled

  By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JAN 10: Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) FR Kharkongor informed that there has been a net addition of 3.38% of newly enrolled electors over the draft rolls. The final electoral rolls of the state with January 1, 2017 as qualifying date has been published on Tuesday at the end of the summary revision exercise which commenced in October 2016.

Kharkongor stated that overall in the course of the summary revision period, the total numbers of claims received numbered at 74,360 and against claims accepted, after hearing and verification, total claims accepted amounted to 62,975.

Kharkongor informed a total of 7,110 deletions were made, & overall a net addition of 55,865 newly enrolled voters from amongst the eligible population was added to the electoral rolls as on date. The total number of registered voters as published on 10.01.2017 is 17,19,479 with male voters numbering  8,50,692 and female voters numbering 8,68,787,with female voters enrolled outnumbering male voters.

Kharkongor informed it will be the continued endeavor of the election department and the office of the Chief Electoral Officer to maximize the enrolment as part of the continuous updation process especially amongst the 18+ and 19 plus category through various targeted enrolment programmes and SVEEP activities.

Kharkongor informed with this objective in mind,the Election Commission has selected the theme of “Empowering Young and Future voters” for the forthcoming National Voters Day programme and also for all campaigns to be rolled out  in the current year.

Kharkongor said the Election Department and the office of the CEO is gearing up to celebrate and observe the NVD 2017 through a series of youth oriented programme at the state level, district, sub-division and in all 2771 polling stations.

Various interesting programmes to attract the youth are being planned for NVD such as a Democracy Run for 18 plus categories, first of its kind Segway rid ,aero modeling, Kite flying ,Vintage car exhibition, besides music and youth entertainment featuring the well-known Summersalt music band of Rock On fame, to engage and educate  the youth about enrollment, voting and democracy in general.

It is also learnt that various youth Icons from the state like International footballer Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Everester Dolyne Kharbhih and actress Andrea Tariang are being roped in as state Icons.

At the district level, 64,456 EPIC cards will also be distributed, of these 30,605 EPICs are being distributed to newly enrolled voters in the 18-19 age group, and about 115 educational Institutions will be involved for NVD.

Besides,251 special camps are also being held for surrender of duplicate EPICs, correction of entries and for facilitating new registrations. A formal programme will also be held at the state level on the 25^th to administer the voters’ pledge.