TURA: In the run-up to the general elections for the Tura Parliamentary (ST) Constituency, the Office of Chief Election Commissioner (CEO) Meghalaya organised two voter awareness programmes in the town, on Monday.
In an initiative held at Tura Super Market, the voters in the constituency were apprised about the significance of exercising their franchise by roping in the Garo traditional method of disseminating information, “Dul Doka”.
The “Dul Doka” event, featuring rhythmic beats of traditional drums accompanied by informative songs, attracted a diverse crowd of all ages to the market.
Aimed at educating the electorate and encourage greater participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the constituency, the event was organised by the CEO in collaboration with the District Administration of West Garo Hills and the A’chik Theatre Group, Tura.
It was a part of the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, Tura, Jagdish Chelani, urged all eligible voters to turn out in large numbers on polling day, April 19.
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Highlighting the importance of voting, Chelani highlighted previous low voters’ turnout in some polling stations and urged everyone to exercise their voting rights and strive for a 100% turnout.
Additionally, Sume B Sangma, Secretary of the Mothers Union, Tura, spoke about the civic responsibility of every citizen to cast their vote on polling day and elect their representative.
She stressed on the qualities to look for in a leader, advising voters to choose wisely, and laid stress on ethical voting practices to ensure free and fair elections.
District officials and members of the SVEEP campaign were among the participants during the programme, which also saw footballs engraved with election slogans distributed to guests and attendees.
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Prior to this event, the SVEEP campaign also targeted the students of Tura Government College, in an effort to engage and educate the younger demographic.
In a bid to educate the students, especially the first-time voters, on the details of the general elections, the initiative took the help of sports to urge them to exercise their franchise.
A “Juggle the Football” competition was organised in the college where over 100 students participated and showcased their footballing skills in a bid to educate the students about the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
The winners were honoured with coveted “Golden Boots” and exclusive merchandise, including branded footballs, crafted to foster voter awareness for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Meghalaya.
