Calls for revocation of all such declarations
Dimapur, November 12 (MExN): The Langpangkong Students Conference (LKM) has condemned the ‘open declaration’ or ‘selection of village candidates’ by village councils or villagers under Langpangkong range of Mokokchung district.
During a meeting held on November 11 at Chuchuyimlang, the LKM resolved that any village which has undertaken such action should revoke the same.
A press note from the LKM informed that the meeting also reaffirmed the ‘Chuchuyimlang Resolution’ on clean election, which was adopted on September 3, 2016.
All 33 villages and town units under Langpangkong Range in Mokokchung district as well as Dobashis and Goanburra had taken the pledge for clean election in their respective villages and town units.
The November 11 meeting also condemned and rejected the ‘declarations’ and said that all intending candidates should be allowed to contest in the forthcoming election. The villages should not levy the threat of ‘ex-communication’ against anyone going against the village’s decision, it said.
Calling for revocation of all such declarations, the LKM stated that if any village violates the same, none of the other villages would extend support to that village.
It meanwhile entrusted the different village and town units of the LKM as well as the LKM Clean Election Campaign Sub-Committee to ensure implementation of the resolution in their respective areas.
CCTVs to be used widely during upcoming polls
During the meeting, the State Election Office was represented by Additional Chief Electoral Officer, N Moa Aier. Aier said that the practice of declaring a particular candidate and forcing others to vote for that candidate is a violation of the Representation of the Peoples Act 1951 and the Conduct of Elections 1961, Rule 39, which is punishable either by fine or imprisonment or both.
The Additional CEO also said that from next election onwards, there will be CCTVs installed to capture and webcast the election process live. Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) will also be implemented.
Aier added that all police check posts would be fitted with CCTVs and monitored via GPS. He meanwhile requested the gathering to take help from the district administration in learning about EVMs and VVPAT.
Information on voter’s right can also be acquired by contacting the helpline telephone number 1950.
