Zilla Panchayat CEO Priyanka Mary Francis said that the critics of democracy should participate in the process ensuring the democratic rights before indulging in a blame game.

Speaking after inaugurating the Voters Day celebrations here at Vaikunta Baliga Law College, the CEO said that the system will be strengthened only through active participation and not by censuring the set up. She said the right to vote is a unique privilege assured in the constitutional set up of a democratic government. Voting helps to solve problems bothering the governance.

Pointing out that youths are the descendants of the effective democratic system, the officer said, “Youngsters should realise the worth of voting as a means to strengthen the egalitarian society. Youths who are 18 years of age should compulsorily exercise the right and epitomise their role in nation-building. They should also get their names enrolled in the voters’ list,” adding that the literate section of the society has greater responsibility.

Sixth Voters’ Day

Superintendent of Police Annamalai, who administered the oath, said that the nation is celebrating the sixth National Voters’ Day. “The Voters’ Day is simply a celebration of the festival of democracy. The awareness level regarding democratic rights is increasing. There is, however, a need for extensive awareness programmes to ensure 100 per cent voter turnout,” he suggested.

There are 10 million youths who are just 18 and over 30 million people will be ensured identity cards, the SP added.

Asserting that the 66.4 percent turnout in 2014 elections is a record voting, the officer said that the polling was the highest in the past six decades. “In most of the states, women outnumber the male voters. Some states have also recorded over 80 percent polling,” he informed.

Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer Dr Vishal R said that voting is the privilege and gift following the Independence attained by the country. “Each adult has the right to choose his or her representatives. The effective administration is possible through effective electoral process. Voting is the only option to choose the good people representatives,” he added. As many as 212 EPIC cards were distributed on the occasion.