On 25th January 2023, the Election Commission of India (ECI) celebrated the 13th edition of National Voters’ Day (NVD) across India to spread awareness about the importance of voting, and participating in the electoral process.
The theme of 2023 National Voters’ Day is ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure’.
- The 2023 theme is dedicated to voters conveying individual’s feeling and aspirations towards participation in the electoral process through the power of their vote.
Background:
i.National Voters’ Day is annually observed across India on 25th January to mark the foundation day of the ECI.
- ECI is a permanent constitutional body constituted on January 25, 1950 in accordance with the Indian Constitution.
- It grants every Indian citizen the right to vote in the democratic election process of the country.
ii.The first ever National Voters’ Day was celebrated in 2011, to encourage active participation in India’s electoral process.
Note: The Constitution (61st Amendment) Act, 1989, lowered the voting age of elections to the Lok Sabha and to the Legislative Assemblies of States from 21 years to 18 years.
Logo of NVD 2023:
- The logo showcases the festivity and inclusivity of the electoral process.
- The 2023 logo features an Ashoka Chakra in the background which represents the largest democracy of the world, an inked finger represents the participation of each and every voter of India and the tick mark stands for informed decision-making by the voter.
Events of NVD 2023:
As a part of the NVD 2023, the ECI has organised a national-level event in New Delhi, Delhi. President of India, Droupadi Murmu, graced the event as the Chief Guest while Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Ministry of Law and Justice graced the event as the Guest of Honour.
Highlights of the event:
i.During the event, the President, Droupadi Murmu, presented the National Awards for the Best Electoral Practices for the year 2022 to the State and District level officers for their outstanding performance in the conduct of elections during 2022 in different spheres.
- The award recognises the Best Electoral Practices across India and important stakeholders like government departments and media organizations for their valuable contribution towards voters’ awareness.
ii.Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, presented the first copy of ECI Publication ‘Electing the First President- An illustrated Chronicle of India’s Presidential Elections’ to the President.
- It is the first of its kind publication which gives glimpses into the historic journey of Presidential Elections in the country.
iii.An ECI song- “Main Bharat Hoon- Hum Bharat Ke Matdata Hain” produced by ECI in association with Subhash Ghai Foundation, was also screened during the event.
About Election Commission of India:
Chief Election Commissioner– Rajiv Kumar
Election Commissioner– Anup Chandra Pandey and Arun Goel
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
