Kohima, February 19 (MExN): Addressing the citizens of Nagaland the Governor of Nagaland K. Sankaranarayanan reiterated that the Government is committed to conducting peaceful, free and fair elections and called upon the people to elect a Government that is truly representative of the views, dreams and aspirations of the people of Nagaland. The Governor stated this in a message to the people of Nagaland for 2008 elections.
Pointing out that elections are the cornerstone of democracy and the Assembly Elections, being held after 5 years, signifies the supremacy of People under our Constitution, the Governor stated that the Constitution has held the principle that the people have the ultimate power and authority and the way they are governed depends on the representatives elected to the Legislative Assembly by exercising the sovereign right of franchise. “In order to ensure that we get the leaders that can help guide our State to a path of peace and rapid economic development, we must exercise this right and ensure that all of us do, individually and elect a Government that is truly representative of the views, dreams, and aspirations of the people of Nagaland”.
The Governor asserted the point that the Government was committed for conduct of peaceful, free and fair elections and pointed out that the Government machinery was doing its best to ensure smooth conduct of polls. “Security of the people and (peaceful elections are top priorities and to ensure this, more than 168 companies of paramilitary Forces will be deployed in the State in addition to the Police, NAP, IRB, CRPF, Assam Rifles and BSF Battalions already in the State in order to ensure peaceful elections”. Further thousands of Government servants will be on duty and they have been trained to conduct free elections with use of Electronic Voting Machines, the Governor informed while stating that the Election Commission has deployed observers and has also visited the State in order to ensure that the elections are held freely and fairly. “The administration has been fully geared up in its resolve of peaceful, free and fair Elections”, he stated and called upon all social organizations, NGOs and groups to cooperate in this endeavor.
“The ultimate role in elections and democracy is to be played by people. We must exercise our franchise. If we do not then there is a danger of someone else using our Right to Vote for their own selfish interest which will not be good for the society. For the welfare of the Society and the people and the State, the choices that we exercise now will go a long way in assuring a secure future for us and the generations to come”.
The Governor also appealed to all candidates and political parties to undertake the campaign and elections in the most healthy manner. While pointing out that it was democratic to criticize policies or enunciate one’s own policies, the Governor stated that one should not indulge in anything that divides the society or is anywhere near to what the Election Commission describes as violation of Model Code of Conduct.
Meanwhile, the governor’s message will be aired by All India Radio Kohima and Doordarshan Kendra Kohima. AIR will broadcast the message at 8:30 p.m. on 20th February 2008 while the DDK at 7:30 p.m. on 20th February 2008.
