Dear Editor,
The public should cast vote as a privilege, not as an obligation. The integrity of politics, stability of society, development of economy, flourishing of culture and the well-being of people, all depend upon a sound political system of a nation. People require awareness on the electoral process, particularly in the rural segments, and their right to vote as per norms enshrined in the Constitution.
The Election Commission deserves applause for the stringent norms being adopted to ensure free and fair upcoming Assembly elections in the five states. As the citizens go about electing a political team to represent them, it is equally important for them to attain the knowledge relating to the conduct of election rules. This way, malpractices such as bribing, inducement, threat and intimidation to voters can be prevented, and their vote will not be wasted.
Shalini Thakur,
Jammu
