Ahead of the first phase of Lok Sabha elections tomorrow, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has appealed to the voters to realise their democratic responsibility saying elections belong to  people and the choices belong to them. He added that they do it for their sake, for their families, children, villages, towns, and for the country. Talking to Akashvani News, Mr. Kumar emphasised that the countrymen should never underestimate the power of one vote as there are many instances, when one vote has mattered in a critical contest. He added that India’s track record of smooth, regular, and high-quality elections owes to people’s judicious and enthusiastic participation.  

Highlighting the arrangements made by the Election Commission to ensure basic facilities to voters, the Chief Election Commissioner said that every polling station has been set up on the ground floor and they all are equipped with facilities like drinking water, washrooms, sheds, ramps, wheelchair and helpdesk and volunteers. He also said, voters who are eighty five years or above and persons with disabilities can opt to vote from the comfort of their homes.

Mr Kumar advised the people to take all precautions during the summer heat and expressed hope that the spirit of the Indian voter will beat the summer heat.