Ankola: Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer and District SVEEP Committee Chairman Md Roshan has stated that voting plays a vital role to strengthen the democratic system, hence, everyone should exercise their franchise without fail in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

He noted this while speaking after inaugurating a voters awareness programme, jointly conducted by the Election Commission, District Administration and District SVEEP Committee, at Satyagraha Smaraka Bhavan in the town on Monday.

People can choose a representative of their choice by their active participation in the electoral process. Eligible voters should not be deprived of the right to vote, he said and added that Indian democratic system is completely depended on its voters. Hence, people should take part in the elections mandatorily, he added.

There are a total of 14,250 specially abled voters in the district and arrangements have been made to facilitate the 13,250 voters by providing transport facilities till the polling booths on the day of polling, he said.

In terms to combat the poll-related irregularities, 36 flying squad teams have been formed and 30 check-posts have been established in various places. The public can file their complaints regarding election-related irregularities through the cVIGIL app, he said and added that already, nearly 14,000-litre liquor worth Rs 14 lakh has been seized.

To confirm the names in the voters’ list, eligible voters should call on toll-free number 1950. The helpline number 1950 is the ‘first point of call’ for all citizens looking for help in reference to electoral services. Voter Helpline will provide Information, feedback, suggestion, and complaints to all citizens,” Roshan said.

Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Kareem Asadi, Tahsildar Praveen J, Town Panchayat Executive Officer B Prahlad also spoke on the occasion. Students of KLE Society and government college, specially-abled, Asha workers and taluk-level officials were present.