WHEN IS NATIONAL VOTERS DAY

National Voters Day is celebrated in India on January 25 annually.

 

Why is National Voters' Day celebrated?

 

The National Voters’ Day (NVD) is celebrated across the country to mark the foundation day of Election Commission of India, the autonomous constitutional authority responsible for conducting elections. The Manmohan Singh government initiated this in 2011.

 

How is National Voters' Day celebrated?

 

National Voters' Day is celebrated every year with a theme. In 2019, the theme was "No voter to be left behind". On this day, the government holds campaigns to encourage voters (particularly young voters) to participate in the political process. National Awards are given for excellence and innovation in election processes. These awards recognise the contribution of the election machinery, government departments, media and PSUs.

 

Who can vote in India?

 

According to the Constitution of India, a citizen who is at least 18 years old on the qualifying date is eligible to vote.

 

The Indian democracy allows citizens to vote regardless of their previous condition of subjugation, race or colour under the Citizenship Act. NRIs who hold Indian passport can also vote.

 

About Election Commission of India (ECI)

 

The Election Commission of India was established on January 25, 1950, with the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner. It operates under Article 324 of the Indian constitution. It consists of three members — a chief election commissioner and two other commissioners. They are appointed by the President of India for six-year terms. Election Commission is a constitutional authority.

 

What is the role of the Election Commission of India?

 

Elections in India are the world’s most extensive democratic exercise and the Election Commission administers them. It conducts elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, state Legislative Assemblies, state legislative councils, and the offices of the President and Vice-President of the country. ECI is responsible for conducting free and fair polls and is regarded as the guardian of elections in India. It issues advisory Model Code of Conduct guidelines, which are to be followed by political parties and their candidates. Instances of violation of the code can be reported to the ECI. However, the commission does not have regulatory powers. The Model Code of Conduct contains the rules of electoral morality.

 

ECI sets limits on poll expenditure, maintains electoral rolls and takes the decision on poll schedules. The commission publishes or prohibits voting trends that could influence voters. To curb the influence of cash for votes, the commission has appointed Indian Revenue Service officers as Election Observers of all elections.

 

The Election Commission takes stock of candidate details and assets through their affidavit, filled at the time of filing of nomination.

 

It has also been given the responsibility of allocating broadcast time on the state-owned cable television network and other electronic media and the powers of a civil court to investigate complaints and enforce the election rules.