EC tunes in to music to create poll awareness in Meghalaya

Music is stirring voters in the Himalayan state of Meghalaya where the EC has roped in top musicians as well as some sportspersons to create awareness about voting rights ahead of the April 9 Lok Sabha election.

Shillong: Music is stirring voters in the Himalayan state of Meghalaya where the EC has roped in top musicians as well as some sportspersons to create awareness about voting rights ahead of the April 9 Lok Sabha election.

In the 2009 Lok Sabha election, only 64 per cent of the electorate voted, Chief Election Officer of Meghalaya P Naik said, adding, "This time we are hoping music will do the magic".

Famed choir group Shillong Chamber Choir and popular singer Headingson Ryntathiang, along with former world champion karate kid Linza F Syiem, sensational boxer Torak Kharpran and local designer Tatania Momin, are among those who have appealed to the people to exercise their franchise.

A music video by the Choir titled "Just one", which featured the state`s artistes and sport stars, has already become an instant hit with the young voters of Meghalaya.
The video directed by Mahdeep Dhillon recorded almost 3,000 likes on Facebook where it was uploaded last week and it made instant connection with the young people during road shows. "The video is part of Systematic Voter Education and

Electoral Registration Programme and it brought together creative and musical synergies of the talented Shillong Chamber Choir. The production is aimed at making young voters feel that voting is a cool thing," Additional CEO Federick Kharkongor told a news agency.

Often referred to as the `rock capital` of India, Meghalaya`s romance with music started when the tribals first made the rolling hills their home. While every third person would play a musical instrument here, there is a rock band in almost every locality.

The Shillong Chamber Choir, Soulmate, Lou Majaw and many more have made their names in their respective genre of music and have a huge fan base within the state as well.
Local musician Headingson Ryntathiang has also hitched his name to the poll bandwagon and is scheduled to tour the state and enthral people with his performances.

There are 10 candidates vying for the two Lok Sabha seats - Shillong and Tura - with an electorate of 15,53,028.

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