MARGAO: In the past few months, several election icons for the Goa State Assembly elections have been working hard to ensure maximum voter turnout for the 2022 Assembly elections scheduled on February 14.
These icons have put in efforts not just to get the voters out of their homes to exercise their franchise without fear but to ensure that they understand the value of each vote. From trending catchy songs, interesting short videos, theatrical plays and dramas to organising programmes, the icons led by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) have been reaching out to the masses in this regard. Social media campaigns have been the medium through which these icons have connected with the audience.
In one such video, election icon, Tapan Acharya, a renowned actor speaks about how the voters should stay away from attempts made by poll candidates to woo them either by paying for their vote, providing them with freebies or festival bonanza, etc.
Goa’s fadista Sonia Shirsat, who has been an election icon for previous elections too, also explained how they laid stress on ethical voting where they urged the voters not to be lured or tempted by the candidates’ “offerings”.
She said this election, they have tried to address the concerns from all strata of society, such as voting by senior citizens, COVID-related queries, extending the voting timing to make it smoother and have lesser crowds at the polling stations.
Other poll icons such as Agnelo Fernandes, Chief Officer of Margao Municipal Council (MMC) held a campaign for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
“My message to persons with disabilities is your vote counts. You have right to chose your candidate. Be an active partner in the election process. Let us show others that voting is our fundamental right. Let us cast our vote fearlessly,” said Fernandes.
In his message to the voters, another election icon, Sidharth Yaji said, “Dear voter do vote as each vote is valuable. We need to act responsibly and not waste our vote because only then we have the right to ask questions to the elected member or the government. Happy voting,”.
CEO Kunal said his message to the District and State icons was simple – “Use your talents to sensitise people to participate in the 2022 Assembly elections.”
He explained how they planned various events to ensure higher participation by engaging the youth via various competitions and other activities to ensure that no voter is left out.
The icons hope their initiatives will translate into success and voters both the young and old will come out and exercise their franchise. They emphasised that they also worked hard at notions that a vote does not count and explained how the election processes are a big part of India’s democracy and people have the choice to decide who they should vote for.
