President Draupadi Murmu with the Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State for Law SP Singh Baghel, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar and Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey during the 13th National Voters’ Day programme, in New Delhi on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Photo Credit: PTI
Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday, January 25, 2022 said that extensive consultations with stakeholders including political parties are necessary for implementation. electoral reform,
Referring to various proposals on electoral reforms brought out by the Election Commission, he said consultation and discussion are the “symbols” of a vibrant democracy.
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He said that as a result of the changes made in the election laws a year ago, more than 1.5 crore new voters have been added to the electoral rolls. He said that the four cut-off dates instead of earlier have helped young eligible citizens to register as voters after the age of 18 years.
The minister also appreciated the move to allow people above the age of 17 to register with the Election Commission in advance. Once they turn 18, their names get added to the voter list.
Addressing the 13th National Voters’ Day celebrations here in the presence of President Draupadi Murmu, Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar, fellow election commissioners and representatives of various political parties, Rijiju recalled the role of various unsung heroes who have not been honoured. , But they have made sacrifices. Helping to conduct free and fair elections.
On the issue of electoral reforms, he said that he is in constant touch with the Election Commission and is holding meetings with the officials of the Election Commission on this issue.
The Legislative Department in the Union Law Ministry is the nodal agency for issues relating to the Election Commission, including election laws and related rules.
He said that various proposals of the Election Commission related to electoral reforms are with the government. The conference is meant to consult political parties and seek the views of common citizens before going ahead with such reform proposals from time to time.
He said, “It is a symbol of a vibrant democracy to move forward only after consultation and discussion.”