Lahaul-Spiti recognised for boosting voter turnout

Rahul Kumar, the District Election Officer (DEO) of Lahaul-Spiti, honoured officials and staff members for their outstanding contributions to the 2024 General Elections and the Assembly by-elections in the region. Certificates of appreciation were presented to those who played a role in ensuring the success of the electoral process.

The DEO said the district had received the ‘Best Electoral Practices Award 2025’ for its efforts to enhance voter participation. This national recognition was presented to him by President Draupadi Murmu on National Voter’s Day in Delhi on 25 January.

He noted this was the first time in the district’s history that it had been recognised for electoral work at both national and state levels for the General Elections and Assembly by-elections. He commended every election worker for their dedication, vigilance and commitment to the electoral process.

The contributions of various committees were also acknowledged, including the efforts of nodal officers, sector officers and the election teams that ensured the smooth conduct of the elections.

The DEO highlighted voter turnout in the 2019 General Elections at 63.02 per cent, but in 2024, it rose to 75.08 per cent — a notable increase of 12.06 per cent. This was hailed as a historic achievement for the district and its electoral team.

Of the 92 polling stations in Lahaul-Spiti, 37 had previously recorded a turnout of less than 60 per cent. However, following focused activities in these areas, voter participation at all these stations exceeded 60 per cent.

The DEO expressed his gratitude to the election officials as well as the district’s voters for their active role in strengthening democracy through their participation.

The ceremony was attended by Assistant Commissioner Sankalp Gautam, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Rajneesh Sharma, Tehsildar Election Pawan Rana, Election Law Officer Chandrakant and other district and sub-district election office staff.