Page 49 - NIS English 16-28 Feb, 2026

16th National Voters’ Day | NATION

Voters are the real strength of democracy
In a democracy, the voter is supreme. The Election Commission 16th National Voters’ Day
of India continuously strives to increase voter participation. In The Election Commission of India
this regard, the 16th National Voters’ Day was celebrated on celebrated the 16th National Voters’
January 25, 2026. President Droupadi Murmu, who attended the Day (NVD-2026) on January 25th, with
event as the chief guest, handed over voter photo identity cards the theme “My India, My Vote” and the
to five newly registered young voters and said that this identity tagline “Citizen at the Heart of Indian
card grants them the invaluable right to actively participate in the Democracy”.
world’s largest and most vibrant democracy. She urged all young
voters to exercise their right to vote responsibly and contribute
to nation-building. She also congratulated the women who voted Awards in various categories
in large numbers in the elections, saying that they are making the President Droupadi Murmu also
republic even stronger. presented awards for best electoral
President Droupadi Murmu said that two dates are very practices in various categories. These
important in the context of modern democracy: November 26, included awards to Bihar, Kerala,
1949, the day the Constitution was adopted, and January 26, and Tamil Nadu for effective use of
1950, the day the Constitution was fully implemented. Only 16 technology; Odisha, Meghalaya, and
articles of the Constitution were implemented with immediate Bihar for election management and
effect on November 26, 1949. One of them was Article 324, logistics; Bihar, Gujarat, and Kerala
under which the Election Commission was established on for creative voter awareness; Mizoram
January 25, 1950, just one day before the establishment of and Bihar for implementation and
the Republic on January 26, 1950. A special celebration of enforcement of the Model Code of
democracy is held in commemoration of this event. The number Conduct; and Bihar, Uttar Pradesh,
of voters in the country is more than 95 crore, but the strength and Jharkhand for training and capacity
of democracy lies not only in the sheer size of the voters but building.
also in the depth of the democratic spirit.

Release of Two Publications

Two publications, “2025: A Year of Initiatives
and Innovations” and “Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar
Ka Garv”, a publication based on the successful
conduct of general elections in Bihar, were
released at the event. It also documents more
than 30 initiatives undertaken during 2025 to
strengthen the electoral system.

Today’s voters are the architects of India’s future. While the right
to vote is important, it is equally important that all adult citizens
exercise their franchise, keeping in mind their constitutional
duties. I hope that all our voters, free from temptation, ignorance,
misinformation, propaganda, and prejudice, will strengthen our
electoral system through the power of their conscience.

Droupadi Murmu, President of India

Elections, Research and Publications, Use of Tech- 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2026, at the India International
nology and Training and Capacity Building. The Institute of Democracy and Election Management
participants also resolved to review their progress (IIIDEM), New Delhi. n
periodically and proposed to meet on December Scan the QR code to watch the
President’s complete programme

February 16-28, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 47