Nagaland inherently democratic, gives voice to all sections of society, says CEO

Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) V Sashank Shekhar on Wednesday said society in Nagaland is inherently democratic and gives space and voice to all sections of society including the common man.

The CEO was addressing the 13th National Voters Day (NVD) state-level programme held on the theme, "Nothing like voting, I vote for sure" at Hotel Japfü Kohima.

He called upon the citizens to manifest the true spirit of democracy in normal election process and sought the collective support of the people to ensure that elections take place in a peaceful atmosphere. 

He also asked the citizens to make use of the C-vigil app and report all unfair means of electioneering.

Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Kohima, Shanavas C, asserted that this year’s National Voters Day has got special relevance as Nagaland is going for polls on February 27, while pointing out the importance of letting elections be participative, inclusive and accessible.

The administrator urged all the young voters to participate in the election, exercise their votes without any influence to let the election be free and fair.

He also hailed the three village councils for resolving for a free and fair election ensuring that the election will be festive and free from any influence and exercise the vote freely.

Shanavas C also assured that the election machinery will ensure that the people have a peaceful atmosphere and there are no law and order issues so that the people can come out and exercise their vote.

On the occasion, Kakheho Zhimo, Chairman, Nihokhu Village Council, Niuland; Viletuo Pienyu, Chairman, Thizama Village Council, Kohima and Ape Yavio, Chairman, Kiruphema Basa village council, Kohima, were felicitated for resolving to have a free and fair election.

First time voters, Thejodeno Viphrezol Zao and Khriese Sophie also shared their messages and hopes.

Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Ruokuovituo Khezhie, Addl. Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, while a song was presented by Nyensang Oungh and Visheto Kasho, Mt. Hermon Hr Sec School Kohima, participants in the ECI's National Voters Awareness Contest 2022; and a song was also presented by Mughato Achumi (PwD).

A song “Main Bharat Hoon” was also launched while the NVD pledge was administered by the CEO Nagaland and vote of thanks was proposed by Sharon Longchari.

Awardees

1. Best Electoral Award 2023: Thavaseelan K, for his novel initiatives on systematic voters education and electoral participation during his tenure as the DC and DEO of Mon district.
2. Best Electoral Award 2023: Awa Lorin, Jt. CEO and state nodal officer for electoral roll, for his contribution in the smooth management of state electoral roll.
3. Best Electoral Award for 2023: Imnalensa, SP, Kohima, for successful security management during the conduct of General Election to Lok Sabha, 2019 as the SP of Mon district.
4. Special Award 2023: Ketousie Khruomo, AEO (MIS) for her contribution on IT application and electoral management in the state.
5. Best Booth Level Officer (BLO): Peteneilhou Zenyuo; Chanda Rai; Kekuolhounyu Yhome; Visose-o Rülho; Adole Yhokha and Seketo Kintso.

Poster with slogan competition winners

• 1st - Rukuophrenuo Kesiezie, Mt. Hermon School
• 2nd - Dzuzieneinuo Keditsu, Mezhur Hr. Sec .School Kohima
• 3rd - Menuovilie Zhotso, G Rio School Kohima
• Khotolu Curha, winner of the special mention award at the National Voters Awareness Contest 2022, was also felicitated.