There is an electoral gap of around 1,600 voters between the ages of 18 and 19 in Mawlai Assembly constituency, it was informed today.
This was revealed by KG Nongrum, a System Analyst in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Meghalaya, in a presentation during a Mission UNITE 2.0 programme here today. The mission is meant to increase voting participation in constituencies that have historically had lower than average turnouts on polling day.
Mawlai has a total electorate of 48,970 of which 1,985 are in the 18-19 age bracket. This population is projected to be 3,587 in 2023, giving an electoral gap of 1,602 voters. A largish gap exists in Mawlai Umjaiur B polling station, where the gap is 158 (18-19 years old voters 769, population projection 917).
Mission UNITE 2.0, it is hoped, will reduce voter apathy and is being held as part of the forthcoming Special Summary Revision (SSR) of the photo electoral rolls and in connection with preparatory activities for the forthcoming Assembly elections. The programme was organised by the CEO’s office in collaboration with the office of the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner.
Besides the SSR, the programme focused on the amendments in election laws and rules, modifications in registration forms and authentication of electoral rolls data though Aadhaar or other documents.
The Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer, Isawanda Laloo, stressed on the importance of the electoral process and the participation of every eligible citizen in strengthening the democracy in the country.
Present at the event were the Rangbah Shnong and Secretary Shnong of Mawlai Umjaiur and members of the executive committee, with officials from the CEO’s office and DC’s office.
