Youth must be serious about voting: Guv

Hyderabad: Governor ESL Narasimhan on Thursday exhorted youth to carry on the responsibility on their shoulders by enrolling themselves and motivate all eligible persons to enroll as voters and participate actively in the electoral process.   

Participating in 8th National Voters Day celebrations here, The Governor said that he never skipped to cast his vote in any election held ever since he got the universal adult franchise. The governments declare holiday on the election day ensuring every voter took active part in the voting. He expressed concern over youth are non-serious in exercising their duty in the democratic process. 

“If people do not vote then there is no point in lamenting on the trust deficit in the government. Vote is not only a right but also a duty and those who cast their vote only have the right to question the government”, Narasimhan said.  Stressing the need people should take part in local body elections also, Narasimhan said that the purpose of organising National Voters day is to facilitate people to enroll new voters and educate voters to participate in the electoral process of the country and uphold democratic values.
 
Governor said the objective of taking pledge on the voters day is to strengthen the entire electoral process, particularly in holding a free, fair and peaceful election and casting vote without being influenced by caste, religion, community, language or any other inducement.

He applauded the efforts made by the Election Commission in educating people about the importance of the adult franchise and the commission endeavour in conducting free, fair and peaceful elections at scheduled time. Governor termed the Election Commission as the ‘Fifth Pillar’ in Indian Parliamentary democracy.