President Pranab Mukherjee expressed concern over the “abuse” of money and muscle power in elections, contending that these malpractices “subvert” the spirit of democracy. He was addressing the 6th National Voters’ Day celebrations held in the Capital on Monday.
He also urged the Election Commission to reach out to young voters who do not have access to digital and social media platforms.
“The abuse of money and muscle power to influence voters remains a cause of concern. The spirit of democracy will be subverted if these malpractices are not checked,” he said.
Applauding the efforts of the Election Commission for undertaking “innovative” ways to reach out to the electorate, particularly the youth, and encouraging them to vote, the President urged the poll panel to reach out to young voters who do not have access to digital and social media platforms.
With more than 84 crore voters, India is the “largest functional democracy” in the world, he said, which is a matter of pride. Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Nasim Zaidi in his speech said that 1.8 crore new voters had registered as on January 1 ahead of the campaign initiated by EC to mark the National Voters’ Day. With this addition India touched the 85 crore mark in terms of adult eligible voters.
Mukherjee said elections in India were not merely a festival of democracy but also a “gigantic administrative exercise”, a task, which the EC and its officials have rendered with “perfect impartiality and fearlessness.”