Correspondent
HAILAKANDI, April 2: The three Assembly constituencies of Hailakandi district recorded the highest polling percentage of 82% in the Assembly poll on Thursday.
The highest turnout in the Assembly polls in Hailakandi district – marginally better than the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the 2016 Assembly elections – has come as good news for India’s democracy, thanks to the slew of initiatives taken by the election authorities here.
The Covid pandemic fear, a comparatively muted election campaign and social distancing measures at polling stations had failed to lower the spirit of voters in the three legislative assembly constituencies here as evident from the voter turnout.
The district saw the highest turnout of 82.33%, surpassing the previous records. In the previous Assembly elections in 2016, the district recorded 79.87% and 79.48% in the 2019 Parliamentary elections.
The election authorities here worked hard to ensure large participation in the electoral exercise. Under the stewardship of Deputy Commissioner Megh Nidhi Dahal, comprehensive plans were chalked out with a focus on areas with a low percentage of voting, especially in urban and interior areas, to ensure a large turnout this time around. The meticulous and well-organised planning worked wonders in the district, surpassing the previous records.
“For democracy, this is heartening indeed. The spirit of the citizens to make their votes count will help the country stand in good stead,” said a political analyst here.
To attract the young voters, the administration put up selfie corners together with a Facebook photo frame that evoked tremendous response.
The administration produced three videos, including a music video to attract voters, and these were lapped up by the young voters, besides the Voter Express and the LeD display vehicle.
One of the major attractions was the unveiling of the sparrow mascot – the small but energetic bird to drive home the message on the paramount importance of asserting the greatest democratic right to vote given to a citizen by the Constitution.
Street plays were staged by artistes to draw the voters in large numbers. Nehru Yuva Kendra, Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission and Election department too pitched in their efforts. Candlelight marches with banners and posters were also organised to draw the attention of voters.
The election authorities felicitated the young voters with citation as well as the senior citizens.
On the day of polling on Thursday, the administration decked up all the six all-women polling stations and 10 model polling stations. These polling stations also had waiting sheds for voters.
Circles were made to maintain social distancing due to the pandemic with thermal scanning at the entry points. Masks and gloves were distributed among the voters. The polling stations were properly sanitised in the wee hours to keep Covid at bay.
