District Election Icons to be appointed for Legislative Assembly Elections - Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal
Chunav ka Parv, Pradesh ka Garv’ slogan for Haryana Legislative Assembly Elections
Chandigarh, September 12, 2024 - Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal, announced that the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer has adopted the slogan ‘Chunav ka Parv, Pradesh ka Garv’ for the upcoming Haryana Legislative Assembly Elections 2024, scheduled for October 5. To encourage higher voter turnout, special campaigns will be launched through SVEEP activities, aimed at raising voter awareness about voting.
Agarwal addressed officers after a presentation on ‘SVEEP Activities and Social Media’ for the 2024 assembly elections, delivered by Additional Director, Election Commission of India, Apurva Kumar Singh.
Agarwal emphasized the need to motivate voters to increase the voting percentage compared to previous elections. District Election Officers are encouraged to appoint election icons, such as sportspersons, actors, or other prominent figures, provided they are not affiliated with any political party.
He urged that voters, especially young and first-time voters, be made more aware of their right to vote through social media, stressing the importance of every single vote. Young voters should not miss this opportunity because it is through participation in the electoral process that they will understand the power of democracy and the value of their vote. Voting is a chance that comes once in five years, so it is important for youth to cast their votes.
The Chief Electoral Officer explained that the day before voting and the day of voting are extremely important in the election process. Voters must check if their name is included in the voter list, as without being listed, one cannot cast vote. Even without a voter ID card, individuals can vote using one of 12 other accepted photo ID documents.
October 5 is Voting Day - Not a Holiday
Agarwal said a strong message should be conveyed to voters that, ‘October 5 is Voting Day - Not a Holiday,’ to emphasize the significance of voting. He directed District Election Officers to engage school and college students in SVEEP activities. These students should perform street plays and other activities at their respective school and college platforms to raise awareness among voters about the importance of casting their vote on October 5. Different mediums should be employed at various locations to raise awareness.
Agarwal stated that the goal of ‘Mhara Vote, Mhari Shaan – Haryana Karega Matdan’ will only be achieved when the message of exercising voting rights reaches the public effectively by October 5. SVEEP activities can be expanded through social media, along with the support of Doordarshan, All India Radio, and the Information and Public Relations Department.
He further emphasized that under the SVEEP campaign, women should be encouraged to actively participate in democracy's biggest festival, casting their votes without fear and choosing the right candidate.