BANDIPORA: In a unique initiative to encourage voter education and electoral participation, a football match was today organized as part of the ongoing Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) initiative.

The football match organised at Higher Secondary School Nadihal brought together senior football players and first-time voters, besides a large gathering of public was also present on the occasion.

The purpose of organizing the football match under the SVEEP initiative was to raise awareness about the upcoming elections and the importance of voting by combining the spirit of sports with a message of civic responsibility and to develop a culture of active participation in the electoral process.

While interacting with participants, the District Election Officer (DEO) Bandipora, Shakeel Ul Rehman highlighted the importance of empowering all citizens, especially first-time voters with the knowledge and confidence they need to actively participate in the democratic process.

He also emphasized the importance of every citizen's voice in shaping the future of our democracy.

The participants expressed gratitude to the DEO and the SVEEP team Bandipora for engaging citizens and promoting democratic values and providing them opportunity to raise voter awareness by means of sports.

Chief Education Officer (Nodal Officer Manpower and training) Dr. G. M Pujoo, Principal Higher Secondary School Kaloosa  (Nodal Officer SVEEP) Ab. Rashid Lone,  SVEEP team Bandipora, and other concerned were also  present on the occasion.