Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 37/14

NATIONAL VOTERS DAY OBSERVED

Shillong, January 25, 2014: The Meghalaya Athletic Association in collaboration with the Election Department conducted a “Run for Democracy, 2014” (Marathon) as part of the Celebration of National Voters Day 2014 followed by official function at U SoSo Tham Auditorium, Shillong today.

While addressing the gathering, the Chief Justice, Meghalaya High Court, Mr. P C Pant lauded the efforts of the Election Commission for achieving the 100 per cent photo electoral coverage. He also informed that this particular day is celebrated in order to enhance participation of citizens, especially youth in National Voter’s Day and the objective of the election commission is to make the Universal Adult Franchise a complete reality and thereby enhance the quality of Indian Democracy.

Ensuring the eligible electors to enroll, Mr. Pant remarked that significant progress could be witnessed with the increased in the number of electors and increased in the turnout of the voting percentage in the state. He further urged the commission to continue to spread awareness about the importance of voting participation throughout the state for larger participation.

The Chief Electoral Officer, Election Commission, Mr. P K Naik, highlighted the pro-active role of the election commission and its tireless effort to create awareness for motivating voters with regard to ethical voting amongst others.

The winners of the Democracy Run were given cash prize and a Trophy. The winners of the category (above 50) men were Mr. P Kharjahrim, Mr. H Marbaniang, Mr. E Shyndiar and Mr. Michael Syiem who bagged the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th prizes respectively. Winners of the category (above 50) women were Ms. Marcylin Mawwein, Ms. P Rani, Ms. C Synrem and Ms. Threlia Nongspung in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th respectively.

In the category (above 15) boys, the 1st prize is bagged by Mr. Michael Sing Ramsiej, 2nd Mr. Stilin Jyrwa, 3rd Mr. Jomsing Ramsiej and 4th Mr. Hancef Me, while in the girls category 1st prize bagged by Ms. Kyntimon Marwein, 2nd Ms. D Marwein, 3rd Ms. Bandasharai Marwein and 4th Ms. Darisha Iangjuh.

For under 15 category girls, Ms. Laenbok Ransiej, Ms. Evamary Ramsiej, Ms. Kyntihun Syiemlieh and Ms. Waleisha Ramsiej bagged the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th prizes respectively, while in the boys category, Mr. Edward Syngoh, Mr. Krarchester Mawlong, Mr. Sylvester Jyrwa and Mr. Wanlang Majaw bagged the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th prizes respectively. Prizes were also distributed to the 20 Lucky Runners from a drawal of lots. During in the programme, the Chief Guest administered the Voter’s Pledge.