DIMAPUR — The electoral roll observer for Dimapur, Chümoukedima, and Peren districts and commissioner and secretary for Law and Justice, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Y Kikheto Sema, held meetings on November 14 with administrative/election officers and representatives of various political parties under 4-Ghaspani-I and 5-Ghaspani-II at the DC conference hall, Chümoukedima.
According to an update, the meeting pertained to the ongoing special summary revision of the electoral roll, with January 1, 2025, as the qualifying date.
It was also attended by the deputy commissioner of Chümoukedima, along with electoral registration officers (EROs) and assistant electoral registration officers (AEROs) from Chümoukedima, Medziphema, and Niuland.
Kikheto, on the occasion, emphasised that for a 'clean election' to be achieved in the state, clean electoral rolls are essential. He highlighted that the period for cleansing the rolls is during the current summary revision claims and objection period, which began on October 28 and will continue until November 28.
He advised the district administration to publish the names and contact details of booth-level officers (BLOs) and the list of polling stations in both print and social media for wider publicity, as they can guide and assist voters and address many of their grievances.
He touched upon the need to reach out to weaker and marginalised sections of society, including persons with disabilities (PwDs), and emphasised the significance of addressing public grievances, either online or offline. He also cautioned that the functioning of the BLOs should be closely monitored to ensure the successful completion of the summary revision.
Regarding the rationalisation of polling stations, he instructed that the concerned DEO, ERO, and AERO should thoroughly scrutinise the proposals and submit them with justifications after verification. He also stressed that border areas should be given due importance in this process.
He asked the political parties to actively participate in the summary revision exercise, appoint booth-level agents (BLAs), raise any pertinent issues that require redress, and work in close coordination with the district administration.
On a lighter note, referring to the non-deletion of deceased voters, he remarked that in Nagaland, some voters never seem to die.
He called upon the political parties to mobilise their cadres and take full advantage of the second phase of special camps, scheduled for November 22 and 23.
In response to feedback from political parties that people in the towns are not aware of the details of the summary revision, the observer advised that extra effort should be made to create awareness in urban areas as well.
He urged all government officials, political parties, and stakeholders to give due importance to the summary revision exercise, carry out sensitisation activities through various means, including social media, and work together to create a healthy electoral roll, which will contribute significantly to the goal of achieving a clean election in Nagaland.
He also emphasised that the issue of a clean electoral roll and the process involved should be discussed in various forums, including churches, Sunday schools, and elementary schools, to ensure no eligible voter is left out. He stressed the importance of sensitising voters about the significance of a clean electoral roll and creating maximum awareness.
A mention was made of the good electoral or election-related practices in neighbouring states like Meghalaya and Mizoram, which could also be emulated.