elections-belong-to-you-you-re-deciding-govt-cec-kumar-highlights-importance-of-vote

A day before the Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Thursday highlighted the importance of voting, while reminding the people to use their vote, saying there have been instances when one vote has mattered in a critical contest.

 

Elections are the most beautiful expression of India's democracy and there is "nothing like voting", CEC said in a video message. 

 

In view of the heatwave, Kumar said people must take all precautions. "But I know the spirit of the Indian voter will beat the summer heat," he said. 

 

"In our great democracy, elections belong to you, the choice belongs to you... you are deciding the government. You are doing it for your sake, for your family and children, for your village or town and, of course, for the country," he said. 

Mark your calendars! 🗓

Save the date: Polling in Phase-I of #Elections2024 is Tomorrow i.e. April 19th

Make your voice heard✨#ChunavKaParv #DeshKaGarv #IVote4Sure #ECI pic.twitter.com/lolt0LAFKc

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) April 18, 2024

"I call upon the youth to lead a revolution in electoral participation," the chief election commissioner said as he urged people to cast their ballot.

He reminded people that they should never underestimate the power of "your one vote". There are many instances when one vote has mattered in a critical contest, Kumar said.

 

The 2024 Lok Sabha polls will kick off on Friday with polling for the first phase scheduled in 102 seats spread across 21 states and Union territories Simultaneously, assembly elections in Arunachal Pradesh (60 seats) and Sikkim (32 seats) will also be held.

 

More than 16.63 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in this phase.

 

Voters include 8.4 crore men, 8.23 crore women, and 11,371 from the third gender. There are as many as 35.67 lakh first-time voters, besides 3.51 crore young voters in the age group of 20-29 years. 

मुख्य निर्वाचन आयुक्त राजीव कुमार ने #आमचुनाव2024 के पहले चरण के मतदान दिवस की पूर्व संध्या पर देश के ~97 करोड़ मतदाताओं को दिया संदेश।

अपना वोट डालें और #चुनावकापर्व #देशकागर्व के उत्सव में शामिल हों।

पूरा वीडियो यहां देखें 👉 https://t.co/K2MLr829mD#IVote4Sure #ECI pic.twitter.com/Gr1hphqNSS

— Election Commission of India (@ECISVEEP) April 18, 2024