Shillong, Feb 11: Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer F.R. Kharkongor on Friday said the Election Commission has decided to give medals and certificates to the first time voters (18 plus) and five first voters in each polling station of Meghalaya to encourage voters to cast their votes with higher percentage.

Of the total of 21,61,729 voters, the number of male voters in the state is 10,68,801 and that of female voters is 10,92,326.

He said that for the past many years women voters have outnumbered their male counterparts in the electoral list and in the previous elections the turnout of female electorates was higher than the men voters.

The CEO said to encourage people to vote with higher numbers, musicians are being used in a passionate way as music is part of the DNA of Meghalaya people.

“We have engaged musical bands and musical troupes to promote voting. We would organise ‘My Vote My Valentine’ in 300 polling stations where previously voting turnout was slightly less,” Kharkongor said.

He said that 120 all women managed polling stations would be set up across the state.