State observes National Voters Day

Dimapur, Jan 25 (EMN): Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland observed the 7th National Voters Day today to register the newly eligible young (18+) in the electoral roll and also to promote electoral participation on the theme ‘Empowering young and future voters.’ DIMAPUR: [caption id="attachment_95250" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Commissioner, Taxes, Asangba administering voters pledge during the National Voters Day at Dimapur on January 25.[/caption] In Dimapur, National Voters Day was observed at Lotha Hoho Ki with Commissioner of Taxes, Dimapur, Asangba Chuba Ao as chief guest. Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner called upon the youth to participate in the electoral process and to choose the right leader to bring positive changes in the society. “If you want a better tomorrow and want to be proud of where you come from, value your vote and don’t sale or waste your vote and spread the message of quality and the value of a vote,” Asangba urged the youth. He further administered the voter’s pledge. Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome, in his keynote address, said the significance of National Voters Day is to encourage young voters to take part in the electoral process and to register the eligible voters as well as to informed and educate the likely to be voters in few years. Pointing out that youth consisted over 65 percent of the population whereas their participation in the electoral process is less than 30 percent, he felt the need to encourage younger generations to participate in the electoral process. He also mentioned on the exercises that are being carried out in the State to ensure clean and healthy elections. Other highlights of the programme included distribution of EPIC and badge to newly enrolled young voters, ‘My vision for clean elections’ by Miss Dimapur 2015 Zehovire Avi Kechu, prize distribution of district level essay competition and best BLO, special number by Lino K Awomi. MOKOKCHUNG: [caption id="attachment_95255" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Rev. Dr. Mar Atsongchanger speaking on the occasion as the special guest on January 25. (R)7th National Voters Day celebrated at Mokokchung.[/caption] Mokokchung observed the National Voters Day at Town Hall, Mokokchung. Speaking on the occasion as the special guest, Rev. Dr. Mar Atsonchanger, Executive Secretary ABAM, called for a clean and fair conduct of elections. He also held the view that it should be the moral obligation of every responsible citizen to vote with outmost sincerity as this authority to vote is a chance given by God to bring changes in our land. He called upon the young voters to play an important role in this context with their fresh mind and visions. DC & DEO, Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel, while delivering the keynote address, said the day is observed to create awareness among the young people to know one’s constitutional right and also to empower them by enrolling young people with Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC). He reminded saying, ‘the moment we sell our vote, we are selling our right.’ Short speech was delivered by Akangnungsang, Editor Ao Milen, while special song was presented by Rongsenchila, a message from CEC of India was read out by the chairperson Pichano Kikon, EAC (P), and the vote of thanks was proposed by Roland Merry, AEO, Mokokchung. On the occasion, special guest gave away award to Booth Level Officers and winners of essay competition, while the Deputy Commissioner felicitated and distributed EPIC to new voters and also administered voters pledge. WOKHA: [caption id="attachment_95257" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Participants and officials on the occasion of the 7th National Voters Day at Wokha on January 25, 2017.[/caption] National Voters Day in Wokha was observed in the Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall. ADC, Wokha Thavaseelan, addressing the gathering, urged all adults 18 years and above to get enrolled and be a part of the democracy. He also read out the message from the Chief Election Commission of India. District Icon, Dr. Abeny W Khuvung said the day is observed to promote awareness on the importance of voter’s participation and registration of new eligible voters. She also highlighted the various programmes organised under SVEEP campaign for clean election. Emphasising on clean election, she said Nagaland being a Christian dominated State, churches should be used as a platform to propagate the message of ethical voting. Awards were conferred to the best BLOs and prizes were given to the winners of the essay writing competition. Later, ADC Thavaseelan led the participants in administering the pledge. PHEK: National Voter’s Day in Phek was observed at the District Planning and Development Board conference hall, where the Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Phek, Murohu Chotso was the chief guest. National Voters Day message was read out by ADC and ERO Phek, while a folk song was presented Niepralu Rhakho and group. Election icon Phek District explained the article 326 of the Indian Constitution about value, right and procedure of the vote. Prizes distribution on the essay competition for higher secondary and college level and best Booth Level Officer (BLO) was presented by ADC Phek. Distribution of EPIC/badge to newly enrolled voters was also given by the chief guest. MON: Mon observed the National Voters Day in the DC’s conference hall in which the DC & DEO, Mon, W Honje Konyak congratulated the young and newly enrolled voters. Exhorting the young electors, he said the newly enrolled voters have the responsibility of electing their future leaders and to act as an agent of change for free, fair and peaceful elections. He also urged the young voters to check the electoral roll of their ward and village to ensure double entry of their name and also to make a commitment to act as the agent change. While emphasising on systematic voters education and voters participation, the Deputy Commissioner urged the churches and the civil societies to play actively role to educate and create awareness to the people on the importance of the day in their respective community. Briefing on the significance of the day, he said it is observed for quality participation of the voters in the elections and to encourage young voters to exercise their voting rights. He added that it is aimed at to retrospect and spread the message of their voting rights and responsibility to the masses. Honje Konyak also gave away prizes to the winners of the district level essay writing competition; campus ambassador district level; district level best BLO. Later, he led in administering the voters pledge. Relise Sangtam, EAC Mon Sadar, and Ms. Lemei Konyak, Miss Mon 2016, also spoke and exhorted the gathering, while AEO Mon Aketo Shohe spoke on the significance of the day. Special number was presented by Ms. Loimei Konyak & friends. PEREN: Peren observed the National Voters Day at Town Hall where Nathan Konyak, AEO Peren, highlighted on the various activities of the Election Department which were aimed at creating awareness of the election process especially among young voters. District Icon for SVEEP campaign on clean election and Miss Peren, Thonjiliu Pamei challenged and encouraged young voters to assert their rights to vote for good moral cause which will have positive bearing for the future rather than vote for wrong motives. Special guest and ADC S Tainiu urged the young voters to exercise their rights to vote for the right purpose which will ultimately bring about positive transformation in the society. The ADC administered the pledge and also gave away prizes to the winners of the essay writing competition and the best BLO awards.