Voting reflects citizens’ faith in democratic process: President Droupadi Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu presents a voter identity card to a newly enrolled young voter during the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations in New Delhi on Sunday.
NEW DELHI: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the 16th National Voters’ Day celebrations, stressing that voting is not merely a political expression but a reflection of citizens’ faith in the democratic process of elections.
She said the strength of Indian democracy lies not only in the size of its electorate but also in the depth of its democratic spirit, noting that even elderly voters, divyang voters and citizens in remote areas actively exercise their right to vote. She appreciated aware voters and those engaged in the election machinery under the leadership of the Election Commission for enabling inclusive participation.
President Droupadi Murmu said public participation gives practical shape to democracy at the grassroots level and highlighted the Election Commission’s efforts to ensure that no voter is left behind. She noted that several programmes have been undertaken to enhance voter awareness. Referring to this year’s theme, My India, My Vote: Indian Citizen at the heart of Indian Democracy, she said it reflects the spirit of democracy and underlines the importance of voting in the democratic system.
She said the right to vote allows citizens to express their aspirations and gives concrete expression to constitutional ideals of political and social justice and equality. The One Person, One Vote principle, she said, was rooted in the Constitution makers’ faith in the wisdom of the people, a faith that Indian voters have upheld, earning global respect for the country’s democracy.
Emphasising constitutional duties, President Droupadi Murmu said all adult citizens must exercise their franchise responsibly and expressed confidence that voters would remain free from temptation, misinformation, propaganda and prejudice while strengthening the electoral system.
Congratulating newly enrolled young voters, she said voter identity cards grant them the invaluable right to participate in the world’s largest democracy. She described young voters as architects of India’s future and expressed confidence in their role in nation-building.
National Voters’ Day has been observed annually on January 25 since 2011 to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India, with the aim of placing voters at the centre of the democratic process and promoting electoral awareness.
