Special guest, Kesonyü Yhome IAS and other officials with the awardees during the State level 14th National Voters Day held at St Joseph’s College Jakhama on January 25. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, January 25 (MExN): The 14th National Voters Day was observed across Nagaland state under the theme ‘Nothing like voting, I vote for sure’ on January 25. Besides administrating the National Voters Day pledge and EVM booth demonstration, message of the Chief Election Commissioner of India was also projected during the occasion.
The Election Department of Nagaland in collaboration with St Joseph’s College (SJC), Jakhama celebrated the State Level 14th National Voters Day at Indoor Stadium, SJC Jakhama, stated a DIPR report.
Speaking as the special guest, Kesonyü Yhome, IAS said, ‘one of the biggest challenges in our democracy today was that the right people who has the right knowledge and legitimate franchise do not cast their vote.’
Chief Electoral Officer, Vyasan R, IAS said that election process is a massive exercise where every stakeholder, including the voters plays an important role as a team for its successful conduct. He urged the voters to come out and be a part of the celebration of democracy.
Earlier, DC & District Election Officer, Kohima Kumar Ramnikant, IAS said every vote counts in a democratic set up for a society, and for the country to grow and move forward. He called upon everyone to come out and exercise their franchise in the upcoming Lok Sabha Election.
Short speeches were delivered by State PwD Icon, Ashe Kiba and Fr Dr George Angami on behalf of the Principal, SJC, Jakhama, SVEEP theme song was presented by State SVEEP Icon Aseto Zao and Vinika Yeptho. Other highlights included song presentation by Electoral Literacy Club, SJC, administering of NVD pledge by CEO and presentation of awards and felicitation of first time voters by the special guest.
The winners in the State level included: Best State Level BLO - Moanungsang P/T GPS Mongsenbai, Mokokchung; Best Campus Ambassador- Chingpai N Konyak BA 2nd Semester Economic Department, Patkai Christian College. In the district level, the Best BLO awards were conferred to Zasekuolie, Zakieneituo Zumu, Kevihelie, Kevilelie Zhale, Kedosieto Sophie and Kroneicho Tase.
Wokha: Wokha district observed the National Voter’s Day 2024 at DC conference hall, Wokha. Students from various schools and colleges along with BLO members of each constituency took part at the event.
The Best BLO awardees were conferred to Augustine Odyuo - 37 Tyui AC; Orenbomo Tungoe - 38 Wokha AC; Likao Lotha - 39 Sanis AC; Rabenthung Kithan -40 Bhandari AC.
K Furhesie Nyuwi, ADC & Electoral Registration Officer, Wokha embarked his speech by reminding the gathering that National Voters’ Day is celebrated at national, state, district, constituency and polling booth levels which makes it one of the largest celebrations in the country.
He emphasised that the day aims to promote people’s participation in elections by encouraging and felicitating young voters and also increase voter enrollment. He stated that this day is utilised to spread awareness among the voters.
Speaking on the theme, the ADC reminded the gatherings that it is a continuation of last year’s theme which conveys an individual’s feeling and aspirations towards participation in the electoral process through the power of their vote. The logo for this year’s theme is designed to showcase the festivity and inclusivity of the electoral process, he added.
Nyuwi congratulated the young and new voters who have enrolled in the electoral roll and will be voting in the upcoming Lok Sabha Election for the first time. He encouraged them to uphold their constitutional rights wisely, choose their leader wisely and vote wisely. He also urged them not to sell their votes or cast vote for others.
Orenbomo Tungoe in his short speech encouraged everyone to remember that Right to Vote is not just a privilege but a great responsibility that shapes the destiny of one’s own nation.
First time voters were felicitated, while certificates and cash prize were handed to the Best BLO awardees.
Mokokchung: The 14th National Voters’ Day was celebrated at DC conference hall, Mokokchung with Thsuvisie Phoji as the special guest and Dr Limasenla Jamir, DLMT & Assistant Prof, Fazl Ali College as the theme speaker.
Speaking on the importance of voting, Dr Limasenla maintained how voting is more than just a civic responsibility but the foundation of democracy itself. Voting is not just a single act but it is a climax of an informed and engaged citizenship, she said while asserting, “A single vote is as precious as hundred votes.” Vvoting also has the potential to promote social solidarity and unity and also a tool for marginalised people to express their rights and have their concerns heard,” she stated.
She encouraged young educated people to participate in the electoral process by exercising the basic right to vote and to value each vote. ‘In a democracy where voices are heard far and wide it is indeed nothing like voting for sure,” she added.
DC Thsuvisie Phoji in his speech encouraged the citizens to practice their franchise and added, unless the franchise is not practiced positively, the vision of democracy is not fulfilled. He acknowledged the BLOs by saying ‘democracy begins with enrollment of voters and the precious voters.’
Abeinuo Jasmine Ashao, SDO Civil delivered a special address on Bedi Bachao Bedi Padhao. She shared on the schemes and provisions of BBBP and also spoke with reference to women's participation in election and voting. She focused on the position of women representative in the legislative assembly from Mokokchung District. She challenged on why there is low or no women representative from a pioneering district as Mokokchung.
Best BLO Award was presented from all the ten constituencies under Mokokchung district. More than 40 newly enrolled voters were also felicitated.
Phek: In Phek, the programme was held at the DPDB Hall, DC office complex, Phek. Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer, Phek, Kuko Mero in his address called upon the young voters to exercise their voting right as they comprised of 65% of the total voters and asked them not to misuse their votes as it was precious to choose leaders and bring developments. The DC notified that the Election Commission is trying its best to do away with malpractices taking place during elections and also trying to keep a clean electoral roll. He later distributed the EPIC to first time voters.
Speaking on behalf of voters, Vethozo Lohe, IFA World Arm Wrestling Champion encouraged the youths to exercise their franchise as they play a significant role in nation building.
Mutuvolu Chizo called upon the new voters that the right to vote is a powerful tool and each vote is a voice for progress and architect of the nation.
District PwDs Icon, Khriesangoyi Dozo spoke on behalf of PwDs. Rev Nuvosal, Pastor BHBC Phek highlighted importance of ‘Clean Election’ and word of encouragement was delivered by SP Phek Dr Pritpal Kaur, IPS. The SP Phek also gave away the Best BLO Awards to five BLOs from 5 Assembly Constituencies under Phek district.
Chümoukedima: Chümoukedima district celebrated the voter’s day at DC & District Election Officers Office, Conference Hall.
DC Abhinav Shivam, IAS in his address said, ‘youth and the young voters hold the future of Nagaland.’ He stressed on ethical voting and its vicious cycle as well as how election is associated with social and economic welfare of the state. He maintained that ‘blaming the politicians alone will not help change the systems but every individual should take responsibility to improve the society, as Nagaland is a close-knit society which can be leverage for the benefit of the society.’
Award and certificate were presented in various categories. Best Booth Level Officers-Temsuinla Longkumer and Visaseto Khro from 4 Ghaspani-l AC and 5 Ghadpani-ll AC; Winners of Youth Voter Festivals- Students from GHSS, Chümoukedima; Painting: Sangminthang Gangte and Angavlk Wotsa; Extempore - Tovitoli and Swuli; Easy: Philarin P Shimray and Imsangpong.
Chümoukedima PWD ICON for Chümoukedima District was felicitated to Inaholi Zhimo. Newly enrolled electors were also felicitated.
Noklak: Addressing the National Voters’ Day held at DC conference hall, Noklak, DC and District Election Officer, Noklak Arikumba encouraged young and newly enrolled voters to actively participate in the electoral process.
The DC Noklak advised all the BLOs to enroll all the eligible voters in the e-roll in the district. Further, DC felicitated the first time voters and handed over the best BLOs awards. The best BLOs award under 56/9 A/C Noklak was K Khulem Khiamniungan and Mechei under 57/10 AC Thonoknyu.
SDO (Civil) & ERO Noklak Vikhoto Richa also spoke during the programme. Other highlights of the programme were introduction of Shiu-e Self Help Group by Heno, District PwD Icon and short speech by Chongphe, GHSS Noklak Campus Ambassador.
Tuensang: District Administration and District Election Office, Tuensang celebrated the day at DC conference hall, Tuensang. DC & DEO Tuensang, Lithrongla Tongpi Rutsa said that it is our fundamental rights to take part in the election and younger generation have a great role to play to elect the rightful candidate and taking part in functioning of the Government. The DC encouraged the BLOs to register the genuine voters and do away with proxy enrollment because Clean Election started with genuine Electoral Roll.
Earlier, welcome address was delivered by Nilo Katiry AEO Tuensang, short speech by Hongsangsonla Chang District SVEEP Icon, special presentation by Menya Mongba.
Kiphire: In Kiphire, the programme held at DPDB hall, graced by DC & DEO Kiphire John Tsulise Sangtam as the chief guest. The DC Kiphire said, “It is our duty to vote. We celebrate Voters’ Day to ensure that every eligible voter cast their vote.” He encouraged the electors to choose good government, good leader which starts from individual participation by voting.
The DC cautioned against fraud votes or any illegal interference while voting in a days to come. The speech was followed by taking a pledge. Encouraging the BLOs, the DC also assured that the best BLOs’ name would be recommended to the Election Commission in the days to come.
Felicitations were given to best BLO which included Sethrichum from 59 AC, and Sitsamong Sangtam from 60 AC. Earlier keynote address was given by D Robin, ADC Kiphire. Senior citizens representing all wards, and BLOs were present in the programme.
