The Hindu : Front Page : Vote without fear: President

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Apr 19, 2004

Front Page

Front Page

Vote without fear: President

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 18. The President, A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, today asked voters to "exercise their franchise without fear" and turn out in large numbers to become the "proud" contributors to the "success of the spirit of democracy" in India — the "largest" and the most "dynamic" of all democracies in the world.

True to his style of communicating directly with the people, Mr. Kalam, whose address was broadcast tonight on All India Radio and Doordarshan, asked the people to "vote positively" and make this the "priority activity." By casting their vote, they would be using this "great opportunity" to elect members of the 14th Lok Sabha and members of Legislative Assemblies in four States.

Mr. Kalam is the first President to address the nation on the eve of polls.

Here is what the President said:

"Dear citizens,

"Good Evening. You might recall during my address to the nation on the eve of the 55th Republic Day 2004, I had appealed to you that all eligible voters must exercise their franchise without fear. As you are aware, India, the largest democracy in the world, is going to elect the members of her 14th Lok Sabha and members of Legislative Assemblies in four States. Dear citizens, it is a great opportunity provided to you to elect members who will be guiding the destiny of the nation for the next five years. The right to vote is a sacred right and an onerous responsibility that you owe to the motherland. Hence, exercising your franchise must become a priority activity for you and you should cast your vote positively.

"By casting your vote for a candidate who in your opinion can represent you in the Lok Sabha, you are sowing the seeds for the creation of a prosperous India, a happy India, a safe India, a secure India and above all an India with nobility. May I remind you, that by casting your vote, you will be fulfilling the aspirations of the children and the youth of our nation and creating a powerful system that will make their dreams a reality.

"In a democracy, an important principle is the equality of every citizen. Elections are an occasion when this can be demonstrated visibly. This is an opportunity for all of you, who are eligible to vote, to go to the booths and exercise your franchise. Therefore, I would request all eligible voters both in urban and rural areas to give a pleasant surprise to the nation by going and voting in large numbers with your eligible family members.

"I have been assured by the Election Commission that all polling officers and professionals responsible for the conduct of the polls will provide easy-to-follow clarifications and guidance to voters about their doubts, help them with a smile in exercising their franchise and be people-friendly.

"Dear voters, the dawn of a beautiful India is in your mind and then in your deeds. The deed for the day of the election for you is to cast your vote and be a proud contributor to the success of the spirit of democracy of the largest and dynamic democracy of all democracies.

"Dear citizens, I appeal to all of you to go ahead and exercise your fundamental right to vote.

"May God bless you."

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