New Delhi, January 25 The country is celebrating National Voter’s Day today. On this occasion, President Draupadi Murmu also honored some election officers and employees who conducted the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections successfully. In her address, the President congratulated the countrymen on this important day of democracy.
The President addressed 100 crore voters. She said, “On the occasion of the 15th National Voter’s Day, I congratulate the nearly 100 crore voters of the country. I specially congratulate all the award winners today. The government and private institutions contributing in various dimensions of the election process are not only worthy of praise and award, they also set an exemplary example for other persons and institutions associated with the election process.”
The President said that the election management of the Election Commission was also appreciated. She said, “25 January is also the foundation day of the Election Commission. The Election Commission has completed 75 years of service to our democratic republic. During this period, the Election Commission has successfully conducted 18 Lok Sabha elections and more than 400 assembly elections. On behalf of all the countrymen and voters, I appreciate the present and former Election Commissioners, employees and all those associated with the election machinery for ensuring a fair and inclusive election process in these elections.”
Photo Hamid Ali
Murmu also recalled the unprecedented contribution of the Constitution makers. She said, “Our Constitution makers had given top priority to the Election Commission and the election system in the process of making and implementing the Constitution. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949. Some special articles of the Constitution were implemented from that day itself. Among those few articles, there is also Article 324 related to the election process under the direction and control of the Election Commission. The formation of the Election Commission a day before the first Republic Day also underlines the importance of the election process and the Election Commission by the nation makers.” The President further said, “On 25 November 1949, a day before the adoption of the Constitution, Babasaheb Ambedkar, in his historic address to the Constituent Assembly, explained in detail that the democratic process in India had existed since ancient times. On the basis of many historical evidences, it can be said that Mother India is the mother of democracy. It is a matter of pride for all of us countrymen that our democracy, apart from being the oldest democracy in the world, is also the largest, diverse, young, inclusive and sensitive democracy in the world. India’s democracy is a unique example for the modern world. Many countries of the world are learning from our election system and management.”
Photo: Hamid Ali
The President told the country why the country’s election process is amazing. She said, “The scale on which elections are conducted by Indian democracy on the basis of the management of the Election Commission, voter participation, security personnel and citizens assisting the election machinery is incomparable in the whole world. In conducting the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, about 1.5 crore people including security personnel, polling officers and employees actively participated in more than 10 lakh polling stations across the country. In this election, about 65 crore voters have exercised their franchise. The enormity of this number can be estimated from the fact that the total population of the 27 countries of the European Union is about 44 crores.” Murmu further said, “An impressive glimpse of our inclusive democracy is seen in elections. I congratulate the Election Commission and the voters for the voter turnout of more than 66 percent in the last three Lok Sabha elections. The increasing participation of women in these elections is an important sign of the overall development of our society and country. I am very happy to know that the Election Commission has made special efforts to facilitate the voting process for senior voters above 85 years of age, Divyang voters and tribal voters living in remote areas. In this way, the Election Commission has set a good example of inclusive and sensitive election management. I appreciate the use of modern technology, software, applications and methods by the Election Commission to make the election process and management more effective and transparent.” In his address, the President congratulated the young voters who received the Electors Photo Identity Card. He explained to them that with this their responsibilities also increase. The President also explained the purpose of this day. She said, “National Voters’ Day is an important celebration of our democracy. The main objective of today’s event is to raise awareness about the rights and duties associated with voting. I have been told that events related to this day are also being organized at the district and state level. I congratulate the Election Commission for this effort to increase the participation of the administration and the public in this celebration of democracy.
I believe that the ideals and responsibilities associated with voting are the main dimensions of our democracy. The Voters’ Pledge issued by the Election Commission can guide all citizens. I would like that the oath taken by the voters should be publicized as much as possible. Voters’ Pledge
