Observing that frequent by-polls in many parts of the country hampered development, Andhra Pradesh Governor ESL Narasimhan today suggested holding all the by-elections at once every year.
Conducting all by-elections in the country at one go during the year would ensure that the process of development continued unhindered, he said, addressing a function organised on the occasion of the National Voters' Day.
Stressing the importance of every citizen exercising his franchise, he appealed to all to vote without fail in the elections so as to put an end to several malaises like criminalisation of politics.
Noting that a whole of identity cards existed today for various purposes, Narasimhan favoured integrating all such documents into one to make things simple.
He appreciated the work of Government personnel in preparing electoral rolls with 100 per cent photo coverage after verifying the residential addresses. The Governor launched a service on the state Chief Electoral Officer's website for the citizens to know the polling station locations.
He distributed certificates to government officials who achieved excellence in preparing the electoral rolls. He also gave away prizes to children who won competitions conducted on the occasion of the Voters' Day.
The Day is observed to commemorate the foundation day of the Election Commission of India. The aim is to increase enrollment, especially newly eligible ones, by using the occasion to make universal adult enrollment a reality.