In upcoming Meghalaya polls 2023 DEO struggling for 90% turnout

Shillong: The District Election Officer’s office (DEO) in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, on Monday organized a district-level outreach program for polling stations with low turnout, and was attended by a large number of local chiefs.

The DEO office said that as the elections are approaching in the state, the office is taking all necessary steps to spread awareness about the importance of voting.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner SC Sadhu, Assistant Commissioner Saloni Verma, booth level officers and heads of various areas of Shillong urban area participated in the programme.

Aiming to address the issue of low voter turnout in urban areas, Deputy Commissioner SC Sadhu said everyone needs to work together to achieve 90% or more voter turnout this year.

According to the District Election Officer (DEO), they visited five areas in Shillong where voter turnout was low in the 2018 elections.
Among them, the polling station with the lowest voter turnout was 13-Mawryngkneng, Mawiong Sung, Khongshnong, where male voter turnout was 62.07% and female voter turnout was 44.62%, resulting in a total turnout of 54.61%. Another polling station, 15-Mulai, Umshing Mawkynroh C, had a total voter turnout of 49.11% in 2018 (49.61% for males and 48.62% for females).

Assistant Commissioner Saloni Verma said the session was aimed at encouraging interaction between the heads and officials.
He requested the support of the chiefs to get people to come out and vote in large numbers. Verma mentioned that Meghalaya has a high literacy rate, which is reflected in the high voter turnout in the previous elections and is a matter of pride.
Deputy Commissioner SC Sadhu stressed the importance of remaining impartial while performing duties and avoiding any attempt to influence voters. He said that booth level officers and headmen should remain impartial in their work. Sadhu expressed concern over the low voter turnout of women in some polling stations, which was less than 50%. He encouraged women to come forward and participate in the voting process.
During the programme, the headman of Trace neighborhood of Kench suggested that the government should take strict action against government employees who do not exercise their right to vote. However, the Deputy Commissioner replied that it would be a violation of the right to freedom.
Another headman suggested that the DEO should reward the five polling stations for high voter turnout, as this would encourage the community and local people to work together.

During the programme, some chiefs sought clarification on the issue of dual voters and the need to update the electoral roll. He suggested that announcements through the PA system could be made three days before the election to remind people to participate and vote.