An International Conference on Voter Education organised by the Election Commission of began in New Delhi today. The topic of the Conference is Voter Education for Inclusive, Informed and Ethical Participation. <br/><br/>The three day Conference was inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner Dr Nasim Zaidi. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Zaidi said, India has delivered credible elections each time without interruption for over six decades. He said, election commission rediscovered itself in 2009 when it focused on voter education as a priority. <br/><br/>He said, systematic voter's education and electoral participation, SVEEP has shepherded many elections leading to a big rise in voters turnout. He said, during 2014 general election highest voter turnout was recorded in six decades. Dr Zaidi said, many democracies around the world are facing declining voter turnout and increasing apathy to vote among specific groups of people. He said, It needs to be addressed. He said, in voters education, there is a need to build an integral segment on informed and ethical voting. <br/><br/>Dr Zaidi said, issue of compulsory voting as prevalent in some countries has been a matter of discussion. He said, the comparative benefits of compulsory voting and voter education led mobilisation will be examined. He said, election commission found the idea not so practical. Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Country Director of UNDP, Marina Walter said, voter education is very much important for any country and media and civil society has a big role to play in it.<br/><br/>The Conference is being organized with an aim to share best practices, policies and initiatives of voter education by election management bodies. 27 countries and 5 international organizations are participating in the event. The Conference also aims at achieving a resolution to strengthen inclusive, informed and ethical electoral participation among member countries with the help of voter education and outreach.<br/><br/>It is deliberating upon five topics ranging from Electoral Literacy to Enhanced participation by special categories of voters, Role of Information Communication Technology in Voter Education and Strategies for Informed and Ethical Voting. The Conference will see the launch of the ambitious project of VoICE.NET a Global Knowledge Network on voter education. An exhibition showcasing Voter Education tools and materials is also organised on the occasion.