 Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 27: Former Legislator and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Vikram Randhawa urged youngsters to actively participate in the election process for strengthening democracy in the country.
"Apart from exercising their franchise in elections, young voters should encourage others around them to participate in the process. They should join hands with the administration to spread electoral awareness among the people and persuade their friends who have completed 18 years to get their names included in the electoral rolls," Randhawa said during interaction with youngsters in Booth Numbers 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 93,137 and 138.
He also interacted with the people and urged them to get their children attaining the age of 18 as young voters.
It is pertinent to mention here that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has mandated the completion of all preparations for the proposed assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. He had also announced two days special camps on July 27-28 for enrollment of youngsters, who attained the age of 18.
"For political systems to be representative, all parts of society must be included. When young people are disenfranchised or disengaged from political processes, a significant portion of the population has little or no voice or influence in decisions that affect group members' lives. A key consequence is the undermining of political systems' representativeness", Former Legislator stated.
He said that to make a difference in the longer term, it is essential that young people are engaged in formal political processes and have a say in formulating today's and tomorrow's politics, adding that inclusive political participation is not only a fundamental political and democratic right but also is crucial to building stable and peaceful societies and developing policies that respond to the specific needs of younger generations.
"For young people to be adequately represented in political institutions, processes, and decision-making, and in particular in elections, they must know their rights and be given the necessary knowledge and capacity to participate in a meaningful way at all levels", he stated.
"In new and emerging democracies, the inclusion of young people in formal political processes is important from the start. Young people's active contributions can bring democratic values to life, leading to the overturning of authoritarian practices", Former Legislator added.
He also interacted with the Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and asked them to generate awareness among the people to get the young voters registered to strengthen democracy.
Former Legislator also thanked Election Commission of India of taking initiatives time to time to get youngsters enrolled as new voters. Former Legislator Vikram Randhawa was accompanied by Arun Khosla, Lovisha Gupta, Varun Sharma, Sunish Gupta, Arun Choudhary and many others. |
