Election Commission targets youth vote through social media

The Election Commission (EC), in collaboration with the International Foundation Election IFSES, has planned a youth-friendly programme to encourage youth to register for voting.

The programme will commence on August 5 and continue till August 12, during which period the EC will educate the youth through an interactive programme called # youth Vote SL.

EC Chairman Mahinda Deshapriya said the programme will be channeled through a national social media campaign, where youth can create educational posts about the importance of the vote.

He said the primary objective is to encourage national youth lead organisations, networks and societies to engage in creating public awareness through creative and innovative ways.

Deputy Commissioner of Elections said the secondary and most important objective of the campaign is to develop, for the first time in Sri Lanka, a national youth network directly connected to the EC through social media.

The EC will call on youth to register online and offline. Then, with that information, each youth too will have the opportunity to vote, after they are registered.

Meanwhile, the Convener of the youth-led steering committee, Naushalya Rajapaksha said their committee will engage in educating youth about the election process.

She explained that, first, during the seven-day programme, any number of youth associations can make use of any social media based application such as Facebook, YouTube or blogs to educate themselves on the importance of voting.

Ms Rajapaksha invited all youthbased Rotaract Clubs, youth federations etc. to join the project and win an award for Best Campaign.

She said that youth clubs and societies entering the programme should conduct their activities according to the guidelines imposed.