Dimapur, November 3: Observing that the draft electoral roll for municipal/town councils as brought forth by the Kohima district administration in respect of 19 wards appeared to be that of the latest E-Roll Summary Revisions made for Assembly Elections, Kohima District Congress Committee (KDCC) suggested review of the same to enable all eligible electorates exercise their democratic rights.
KDCC, while objecting the present Summary Revision of E-Roll as ordered for completion with 10 days from November 1, 2016, was of the view that the E-Roll for the ULBs should be done from 2004 till date with sufficient time being granted to the electoral registration officer so that all eligible electorates will also be able to register in the democratic exercise.
Kohima District Congress Committee (KDCC) has issued this statement in the general interest and welfare of the denizens of urban local bodies in the State especially with regard to the ongoing exercise on draft electoral roll for municipal/town councils.
As per the Nagaland Municipal Election Rules 2003, Summary Revision of E-Roll for Municipal and Town Councils should be separately prepared for each ward of the Municipality in accordance with the rules.
It contended that if the E-Roll for Assembly Election is to be followed, almost half of the electorates for urban local bodies will not get opportunity to exercise their franchise as the last municipal election in the State was held in 2004 with the creation of separate e-roll.
It may be observed that with urbanisation, thousands of electorates are migrating into the town areas, however since the Election Commission of India has strictly ordered “One Man One Vote,” thousands of electorates with the view to maintain their names in the E-Rolls for respective villages do not have the registration in the E-Rolls in town areas despite being resident of colonies and wards.
In this, KDCC has requested the State government and the department concerned to implement the municipal guidelines in letter and spirit and immediately order complete revision of the e-roll for all the wards and colonies under the municipal and town councils.
KDCC, in a press release issued by its president Kevi Vizo, cautioned that it would be left with no option but to knock the doors of court for legal action if its appeal is not pursued in all earnestness.
