Context

• An event was organised by the Election Commission in New Delhi on the occasion of 14th National Voters' Day on 25 January 2024.

Key Points

• Heads and representatives of election management bodies from Maldives, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan also attended the event.
• The theme of National Voters' Day 2024 is ‛Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure' · 
• During the event, the Best Election Practice Awards for the year 2023 were presented by the Honourable President.
• The awards were presented to state and district level officials for their contribution and outstanding performance in the field of IT initiatives, security management, election management, accessible elections, voter list and voter awareness and outreach in the conduct of elections during 2023.
• Awards were also presented to important stakeholders including government departments, media organisations for their valuable contribution in voter awareness.
• A short voter awareness film - 'My Vote My Duty' produced by ECI in collaboration with renowned filmmaker Shri Raj Kumar Hirani was also screened on the occasion.
• This short film features several celebrities with messages of the spirit of democracy and the power of one vote.
• It is noteworthy that the Election Commission of India also celebrated its 75th year of service to the nation on January 25, 2024.
• To mark this important occasion and in the light of the 2024 parliamentary elections, a commemorative postage stamp on the theme “Inclusive Elections” was released.

Background and objectives of National Voters' Day

• National Voters' Day has been celebrated every year on 25 January across the country since 2011, on the foundation day of the Election Commission of India.
• The main objective of this festival is to create electoral awareness among the citizens and encourage them to participate in the electoral process.
• Dedicated to the voters of the country, National Voters' Day is also used to enrol voters, especially newly eligible young voters.
• New voters are felicitated and handed over their Voter Photo Identity Card at NVD functions held across the country.

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR EXAM

Election Commission of India

• Formation: 25 January 1950
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Chief Election Commissioner: Rajeev Kumar