EC mourns death of its first national icon

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday mourned the death of former president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who had become its first national icon for voter awareness and participation in 2010.

"Since then, he had been championing the cause of greater participation for stronger democracy in the country. ECI is blessed to have him as inspirational mentor on several occasions including this year's National Voters' Day function on January 25, where he inspired us as the chief guest," said Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi.

"He was always a guiding force for us and his death is an irreparable loss to the nation and hard to fill," he said.

The poll panel recalled Kalam's vision written in his book "A Manifesto for Change" where he envisioned and advocated e-electiond.