Rajasthan to Lead One State, One Election Initiative: State Election Commissioner

Jaipur, August 12: Rajasthan is set to take a pioneering role in implementing the ‘One State, One Election’ initiative, as announced by State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh.

During a video conference with officials from the Electoral Literacy Club (ELC) and college principals, Singh urged young voters to actively participate in the democratic process and make informed voting decisions.

The meeting, held from the NIC meeting hall at the Secretariat, aimed to connect young voters with the electoral process, enhance voter awareness, and make electoral literacy activities more impactful at the college level. Presentations were also made on the ‘One State, One Election’ initiative and the roles of young voters and ELCs.

Singh emphasized that every vote represents a citizen’s voice in a democracy, and the active participation of youth strengthens the democratic process. He encouraged young voters to ensure their names are on the voter list and to vote based on accurate information. He also advised them to exercise their voting rights wisely, steering clear of rumors, temptations, and external pressures.

He stressed that young voters should not only participate themselves but also motivate their families and community members to vote. The program highlighted transforming the ELC into a ‘laboratory of democracy’ through increased participation and practical activities.

Officials and college principals were encouraged to conduct mock polls, role-playing exercises, quizzes, and other interactive programs, as well as to provide information on voter registration, voting processes, and the electoral system.

Singh called for organizing essay competitions, poetry readings, poster and rangoli contests, slogan competitions, and voter awareness rallies in colleges. He urged institutions to use creative mediums like street plays and voting-themed songs to spread the message of electoral participation among youth and the general public.

Highlighting Rajasthan’s historical role in Panchayati Raj, Singh noted that the state is proud to be the birthplace of the Panchayati Raj system in the country and now has the opportunity to play a leading role in the ‘One State, One Election’ initiative.

He stated that conducting simultaneous elections for all urban local bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions is a significant step towards simplifying, streamlining, and making the electoral process more transparent.

This initiative is expected to promote administrative continuity, optimize resource use, reduce election-related expenses, and expedite the implementation of development plans. The State Election Commission also appealed to ELC officials and young voters to share photos and videos of electoral literacy activities on social media, tagging the commission’s official handle.

A QR code linking to the commission’s social media platforms was shared with ELC officials and college principals. The video conference included SVEEC nodal officers from various districts, chief executive officers of district councils, college principals, and ELC officials. The program concluded with a commitment from the youth to become aware voters and actively participate in the democratic process.