State observes National Voters Day

DIPR Dimapur, January 25

Nagaland today joined the rest of the country in observing the National Voters’ Day on the theme ‘Ethical voting’ where the importance of voting in determining the destiny of the nation was highlighted.Addressing the National Voters’ Day in Dimapur at the Office Premises of the Deputy Commissioner, Editor Nagaland Page, Monalisa Chankija, said viewed that when one does not exercising their franchise which may be due to apathy or because one is prevented through muscle or money power, it invites disaster, even catastrophe for the Nation. Stating that each individual is regarded as the nucleus of the State, she said everyone who have attained the age of 18 years has the constitutional duty to cast vote and also right to enjoy all rights, liberties and freedoms as per our constitution. On the occasion, she called upon the young people to exercise their franchise on the principle of one person one vote and make the right choice of their representatives and also to ensure family members, friends and neighbours registered in the Electoral Roll. She also said the youth are also expected to see that the personnel of the Election Commission do their job as per the laid down norms of the Election Commission of India and not as per vested interests of power circles, centres and cabals which are crucial component for ethical voting. Citing the example of Nagaland in which tribalism eclipses all senses during election in its worst from, she said elections are contested along tribal, clan range and village lines and consequently merit is sacrificed at the altar of narrow tribal considerations and calculations. She, therefore, called on the young voters to make it a bounden duty and moral obligation to ensure that merit is prioritized over all other considerations in a election to bring the much needed change. “Be vigilant, imbibe the essence, the ethics, the culture, the legalities and technicalities of parliamentary democracy and be socially and politically responsible,” she advised the young voters. On the occasion Badges were given to all the newly enrolled voters as well as citation along with some cash were also awarded to the best booth level officer from the 5 area constituencies of Dimapur District. In Mokokchung, the National Voters Day was observed with MB Longkumer, Sr. Advisor, MCCI, as the chief guest wherein he stressed that the day is observed as an affirmation and celebration of the power that a citizen derives from the power of a voting. He said proper exercise of a single vote can shape the future of our nation. The chief guest also presented award to Booth Level Officers, felicitated new voters and administrated the voters’ pledge. Mon observed the National Voters Day in the DC’s conference hall, where Manlip Konyak, President Konyak Union, was the chief guest. He has asked the gathering to restore the value of democracy and avoid unfair practices like bogus voting, selling of vote etc. Certificate awarded to the selected BLOs under Mon district by the chief guest. Deputy Commissioner, Mon, Angau I Thou, has read the message of Chief Election Commission of India and delivered the key note address. In Tuensang, the National Voters Day was held at CKS Hall, where Assistant Commissioner, Tuensang, C Shanavas Ummar, has challenged the public not to fail one’s own vote but to enjoy the freedom to vote with a dignity which will suffice the meaning of democracy. He initiated felicitation of newly enrolled voters and he also gave away the award to the best performing BLOs. In Zunheboto, National Voters Day was observed in the DC’s conference Hall Zunheboto. Assistant Election Officer, Zunheboto, Chisho K Swu, has chaired the function, while key note address, message from Chief Election Commissioner and voters pledge was said by ADC Zunheboto, Anthony Ngullie. In his speech, the ADC has urged on the importance of registering when a person attains 18 years of age and also cautioned against manipulate their age while registering. He also said BLOs have a important role on generating awareness to the people of their respective areas on registering as a voter. BJP president Zunheboto also spoke on the occasion. 6 BLOs from Zunheboto district constituencies were also felicitated. Kiphire has also observed the National Voters’ Day where the DEO & DC, Kiphire, Kesonyu Yhome urged the newly enrolled voters to protect their voting right and not allow their voting right to be misused by any person including their family members and local authorities. Yhome said the broad objective behind the celebration of the National Voter’s Day (NVD) is to enroll all eligible citizens in the electoral roll and to educate, encourage and motivate enrolled voters to exercise informed and ethical franchise to enhance the quality of our electoral democratic process. ERO & SDO (C) Dr. Tinojongshi Chang has delivered the keynote address while short speeches were delivered Yangkhaba sangtam, vice president USLB and Tokhuho Sumi President ESSH. In Phek, the National Voters’ Day was observed in the Deputy Commissioner conference hall, with the presence of newly enrolled electors, head of departments, political parties, NGOs, BLOs, ward chairmen, and GBs. The Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer, Phek, Neposo Theluo has stressed on clean electoral roll and called upon the gathering/ BLOs to be more sensitive while discharging their duties. He also administered the Voters Pledge with the call to uphold the democratic traditions of our country and the need for fair and peaceful election. He has also encouraged the voters to exercise their franchise fearlessly and without being influence by consideration of religion, race, caste, community, language or any inducement.