By SHEFA RAFI
It’s election time. Yes, political parties are girding up their loins to garner votes thru’ intensive campaign. Unlike the previous years, this time, campaign is expected to be hot while summer getting hotter.
And it’s the democratic right of every citizen to exercise their franchise without fail. In this connection, the Election Commission of India established Voter Awareness Forum (VAF) across the country with Chief Electoral Officers in the respective State capitals and by District Election Officers in the districts organising human chains, competitions, discussions on the importance of right to vote.
It may be recalled that a five judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra last year said the constitutional spirit ensures that the voice of the citizens does not go unrecognised while making laws. This is possible only if the agency enacting and enforcing the laws comprises of representatives chosen by the people.
And he went on to say that the ‘Right to vote most cherished value of democracy’.
Rightly, the district administration conducted awareness campaigns across the district ensuring greater voter participation during the Lok Sabha elections. This election will witness a whopping 90 crore voters, who will elect 543 representatives from across the country.
Coimbatore district has total voters of 28,61,961. Of which, women surpassed men with 14,43,967 voters against 14,17,683 male voters. First time voters have a greater role to play this time more so young voters under 30. Let’s ensure greater voter participation this election.
