CHENNAI: As many as 1.64 crore voters took a pledge on Tuesday to vote ethically, an initiative by the Election Commission that is likely to enter the Limca Book of Records. The #100percentEthicalVotingPledge was held at 1.07 lakh places across the State at 10 a.m. In addition, 38,98,021 voters have recorded through social media websites that they had taken the pledge following the call given by the Election Commission.
“Such an effort was undertaken for the first time in the country when 1,64,32,213 persons took pledge for a common cause in one day simultaneously in 1,07,517 places – the highest in the world. We are applying for certificate from Limca Book of Records,” Chief Electoral Officer Rajesh Lakhoni told Express.
Though this could be a world record, the Guinness Book of World Records guidelines mandate that it should be approached ahead of the event.
It was led by the CEO himself in Chennai, along with the employees in the Elections Department. Simultaneously, college students, Self Help Group members, Central and State government employees, Public Sector undertakings employees, doctors, members of NGOs and organisations like Lions Club and Rotary Club took the oath to cast their votes without fail and in an ethical manner.
For the past three months, the Election Commission has been taking several steps to ensure 100 per cent polling in the Assembly elections. This time, the polling hours have been extended by two hours - from 7 am, to 6 pm and those who are in line at 6 pm on May 16 will be allowed to vote.