President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said the successful use of modern technology on a large scale in the election process of the country is an example for all democratic nations in the world.

She expressed confidence that the effective use of technology by the Election Commission will be further enhanced to the extent possible in all activities related to the election process.

The president was addressing the 14th National Voters’ Day Celebrations in New Delhi. On the occasion, she presented the Best Electoral Practices Awards for the year 2023 to state and district level officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections during 2023. Awards were also presented to important stakeholders including government departments and media organisations for their valuable contribution towards voters’ awareness.

President Murmu said the vastness and diversity of the democracy is a matter of pride for every citizen. The Election Commission, she said, has played an important role in the glorious journey of democracy. She noted that till now, 17 general elections and more than 400 Assembly elections have been conducted by the Election Commission. She appreciated the present and previous teams of the Election Commission for ensuring a fair and inclusive election process.

She said that it was not easy to make arrangements for the voters living in all parts of the country. Despite all kinds of challenges, the Election Commission team carries out this difficult task. This is a huge achievement of democracy. She commended the Election Commission for providing the facility of voting at home for those who cannot go to the polling stations. She stated that these efforts have made the country’s election process more inclusive.

The president said the youth are the future leaders of democracy. She congratulated the young voters who obtained the Elector Photo Identity Card. After obtaining this right, their duties have also increased. She said that the young voters present are representatives of crores of youth of the country who will play a decisive role in building a golden India of the year 2047.

The President received the first copy of ‘ECI initiatives for General Elections 2024’ from Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.

Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated on January 25 every year to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India. The main purpose of the National Voters’ Day celebration is to create electoral awareness amongst citizens and encourage them to participate in the electoral process. ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For sure’ is the theme of National Voters’ Day 2024.