January 25th is observed every year as National Voters Day in order to encourage, facilitate and maximize enrolment of new voters for a stronger and more vibrant democracy. It encourages youth to participate in the electoral process while helping uphold India's commitment to Universal Adult Franchise.

This is the 12th National Voters' Day. On this day, I call upon every single citizen of these Islands who has attained the age of 18 as on 1st January, 2022 to enrol themselves for a voter ID card. I also call upon them to exercise their right to vote at the appropriate time. I am pleased to know that through consistent efforts, A&N Islands have achieved an electoral roll of 3.11 lakh voters following the revision recently published, out of which 1.48 lakh are women voters.

The theme of this year's National Voters' Day is 'Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative' and special focus has been placed on all segments including women, youth, Person with Disabilities (PWDs), Senior Citizens, Service Voters, Overseas Indians as well as other marginalized sections of the society. I am confident that residents of these Islands will heed this call and ensure that this theme is realized in this UT, thus helping to ensure that India continues to be a strong vibrant and inclusive democracy.

Right to vote is an important right in any democracy and every vote counts. Warm greetings on the occasion of National Voters' Day to all.

Admiral D.K. Joshi

PVSM, AVSM, YSM, NM, VSM (Retd.)

Lt Governor, A&N Islands &

Vice-Chairman, Islands Development Agency