The Election Commission of India (ECI) celebrated the 9th National Voters Day with an International Conference themed ‘Making our Elections Inclusive and Accessible.’ Every year, India marks January 25 as National Voters’ Day to commemorate the foundation day of ECI, established on this day in 1950. The event is a notable nationwide celebration that promotes voter registration, with a focus on new voters. The 2019 celebration drew attention with its theme “No Voter to be Left Behind.” Alongside this, the ECI released its January 2019 edition of the Quarterly Magazine ‘VOICE International.’ The Election Commission of Bhutan also renewed its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in election management. Another highlight was the focus on the ECI’s flagship program – Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP).
The Origins and Importance of National Voters’ Day
Since 2011, the ECI has observed National Voters’ Day across India on January 25. The aim is to boost registration and enrollment rates amongst voters, primarily targeting those who are new to the process. This national occasion emphasizes the importance of participation in the democratic process and underscores the value of each vote.
‘No Voter to be Left Behind’ – The Theme of National Voters’ Day 2019
The ECI chose the theme “No Voter to be Left Behind” to underline their commitment to inclusivity in the electoral process. The slogan served as a potent reminder of the ECI’s mission to ensure that every eligible individual can exercise their voting rights, regardless of their socioeconomic, cultural, or demographic background.
ECI Quarterly Magazine ‘VOICE International’
In the midst of National Voters’ Day celebrations, the ECI launched the latest edition of ‘VOICE International’, its quarterly magazine. The publication is a rich resource that offers insights into inclusive and accessible elections from around the globe, enabling knowledge transfer between democracies.
ECI’s Cooperation with Election Commission of Bhutan
Another significant event during the conference was the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ECI and the Election Commission of Bhutan. This agreement paves the way for greater collaboration in managing elections, demonstrating the international reach of the ECI’s work.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| National Voters’ Day | Observed on January 25 every year since 2011 |
| ECI Foundation Year | 1950 |
| Theme for National Voters’ Day 2019 | No Voter to be Left Behind |
| SVEEP Start Year | 2009 |
Focus on Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP)
The conference also spotlighted SVEEP, the ECI’s flagship program initiated in 2009. SVEEP aims to enhance voter education and promote voter literacy in India. The program crafts its approach based on the socioeconomic, cultural, and demographic profiles of states, as well as electoral participation in previous election rounds.
