Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has said the election system is marked by transparency and noted that voters of Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh are very aware.
“After coming here, I feel that voters of Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh are very aware,” Gyanesh Kumar said on his visit to Lucknow.
He also recalled his association with the city. “I received my education here before moving on to the IIT for higher studies. After a long time, I have returned to Lucknow to convey a message to the voters of Uttar Pradesh,” he said.
Gyanesh Kumar arrived in Lucknow on Monday for a two-day visit.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) organised the second regional conference on “Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELC 2.0) and ECINET” in Lucknow on Monday. The conference focuses on strengthening electoral literacy and democratic awareness among young citizens through educational institutions.
Addressing the participants comprising students and teachers from schools and colleges across Uttar Pradesh, Gyanesh Kumar said the ELCs are imperative to carry forth the knowledge and the understanding of electoral processes and enrich democracy.
He stated that elections in India are held strictly as per the constitution of India, law and instructions issued by ECI and “conducted transparently under the concurrent audit of political parties, candidates or their representatives at all stages”. He underlined the need for students and young electors to familiarise students and young electors with India’s electoral system, democratic values, electoral registration, polling and counting processes, and the role and functioning of the Election Commission of India.
Emphasising the importance of engaging young citizens, Gyanesh Kumar stated that their trust and informed participation in the electoral process is an investment in the future of democracy.
Earlier in the day, Gyanesh Kumar visited his alma mater, Colvin Taluqdar’s College and interacted with the teachers and students at the school.
He will hold an interaction with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday.
Uttar Pradesh is slated to go the polls early next year but there is speculation in some circles that the assembly elections may be held early.