Rahul Bhanudas Mali, IAS DC & DEO along with others at the 15th National Voters Day celebration held on January 25. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | January 25
The 15th National Voters Day was celebrated at the DC Conference Hall in Zunheboto on January 25, under the theme ‘nothing like voting, i vote for sure.’ The event was organised by the District Election Officer (DEO) of Zunheboto with the aim of raising awareness and encouraging voter participation, particularly among youth and women.
Addressing the programme, Rahul Bhanudas Mali, IAS, Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer of Zunheboto emphasised the significance of National Voters Day as a platform to inspire citizens, especially young people, to engage in the electoral process. He highlighted that India has over 99 crore voters, ranking 7th in the world in terms of voter population.
Mali stressed the importance of casting votes freely and responsibly, noting that “every vote counts.” He also praised the efforts of the election office and civil society organizations for maintaining a peaceful electoral environment in the district, with no allegations or objections during the electoral process. He reiterated that elections and voter education are continuous efforts and “free and fair elections are everyone’s responsibility.”
Additionally, Mali discussed the challenges faced by voters, particularly in remote areas, where long travel times to polling booths, sometimes requiring upto two days to reach, remain significant obstacles. He reassured the audience about the integrity of the voting process, explaining that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) technology are secure, hack-proof, and developed with indigenous software.
Mali urged citizens to view voting as both a fundamental right and a powerful tool for societal change, encouraging everyone to use their vote wisely and responsibly.
Linovi Kiba, District SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) Icon, also spoke at the event. She reminded the audience that voting is not only a right but also a responsibility, stating, “Our vote is equal, and exercising that right is a responsibility for each and every citizen.” She emphasized the importance of embracing universal adult franchise and recognizing the significance of every vote.
The event included a series of awards and recognition for outstanding contributions to voter education and registration. The best Booth Level Officers (BLOs) were felicitated for their dedication to the electoral process. The BLOs who received awards were Y Khekato Sema (Akuluto), H Akaho Zhimo (Atoizu), K Inato Sema (Suruhuto), Kitoho Sema (Aghunato), Wilson Sumi (Zunheboto), and Ihoto (Satakha).
Winners of the essay competition on the importance of voting were also recognized. In the high school category, the winners were Eliza K Zhimo from St Anthony School, Lomy K Zhimo from Olympic School, and Kino I. Chophy from Olympic School. In the higher secondary school category, Lika G Jimomi from Woodland Hr Sec School took the top prize. In the college-level competition, the winners were Botoka I Awomi, Kheboli K Chishi, and Arikato Achumi, all from Zunheboto Government College (ZGC).
New electoral ID cards were distributed to newly registered voters, symbolizing their formal entry into the electoral process. The programme concluded with the National Voters Day pledge, led by Zunheboto DC and was followed by a vote of thanks by Chinglem Konyak, EAC.
