A two-day All India conference of State Election Commissioners commenced in Raipur, the state capital of Chhattisgarh, today. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh Dr Raman Singh inaugurated the Conference. <br/><br/>Addressing the inaugural function, Dr Singh said that entire nation including Chhattisgarh has strong roots of democracy. He said that despite the naxal menace in Bastar region of South Chhattisgarh, elections of all the democratic institutions including the three-tier Panchayat Raj Institutions were being successfully conducted. <br/><br/>Large number of voters cast their votes in these elections. Chief Minister said that more than seventy percent voting even in the areas like Dantewada, Narayanpur and Bijapur area, reflects people's trust in democracy.<br/><br/>Speaking on the occasion, Election Commissioner of India O.P. Rawat emphasized on importance of fair and independent elections and also underlined the need for curbing inappropriate use of money and force during elections.<br/><br/>State Election Commissioners, Secretaries of State Election Offices and other officials of total 10 states and one union territory are participating in this conference.