Dimapur, January 25 (MExN): The 7th National Voters’ Day was observed across Nagaland State on January 25. Aboi: In Aboi of Mon district, the day was observed with ADC Aboi, Wasu Katiry as the chief guest. He highlighted the message from Election Commissioner of India and handed over Best BLOs Awards to BLO 47/2, Nahto Konyak, BLO 48/3 E. Pulang Konyak.
Dimapur: Commissioner of Taxes, Dimapur, Asangba Chuba Ao was the chief guest at the 7th National Voters’ Day programme held at Lotha Hoho Ki, Dimapur. The Commissioner said National Voters’ Day was initially introduced to encourage and enhance the voting percentage, however, in Nagaland the issue is about quality of voters. He stressed on the value of every vote and further 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 sell or waste your vote,” he added. He further urged to spread the message of quality and value of a vote. Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome reminded the gathering that the significance of National Voters’ Day is to encourage the young voters to take part in the electoral process, register the eligible voters, and to inform and educate the likely to be voters in few years. He pointed out that over 65 percent of the population is youth, but their participation in the electoral process is less than 30 percent.
Kiphire: The day was observed in Kiphire at the conference hall of the DPDB. Sedevikho Khro, Deputy Commissioner, Kiphire, who was the chief guest, said the society today is controlled by nothing but politics. “The right and judicious exercise of franchisees will do away corruption, nepotism and also bring fruitful development in the society,” he said. Touching the theme ‘Proud to be a voter, ready to vote’, the DC also asked the gathering to reflect if “we” are really proud to be a voter and ready to vote. Pointing out that all over the world there is crisis and turmoil because of leadership crisis, he added, “to have a just society and healthy development it is upto us to send right leader to represent us.” Meanwhile, Dr Tinojungshi Chang, ADC and ERO in his keynote address said as long as the electoral-roll is not clean and there are bogus voters the election process will not be clean. He asked the new voters present to cultivate free and fair election in the next election.
Longleng: In Longleng district, the day was celebrated at DC’s conference hall, where K Limei Phom, former Miss Longleng and the district icon for SVEEP spoke on the importance of SVEEP activities. She stated that youth is the most powerful group as they are the future leaders. Meanwhile, Chingan Phom, President, Phom Peoples' Council challenged the voters to elect the right leaders in the coming election so as to bring over all development. “Leaders are not the reason behind all the misgiving, it is voters who create the mess,” he said. Therefore, he urged all the new voters and the general to practice clean election. Renben Mozhui, AEO spoke on the importance of EPIC Card as a major tool in shaping democracy. Y. Denngan Avennoho Phom, DC & DEO Longleng advised the new voters not to sell one's own vote for money calling it a practice of corruption.
Mokokchung: In Mokokchung, Rev. Dr. Mar Atsonchanger, Executive Secretary, ABAM called for a clean and fair conduct of election where every voter can exercise their right with no restriction. He also held the view that it is the moral obligation of very responsible citizen to vote with outmost sincerity “as the authority to vote is a chance given by God to bring changes in our land.” In this context, he called upon the young voters to play an important role with their fresh mind and visions. Meanwhile, DC & DEO, Mokokchung, Sushil Kumar Patel speaking on the occasion observed at Town Hall, Mokokchung maintained the day is observed to create awareness among the young people to know one’s constitutional right and also to empower them by enrolling the young people with Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC). He also pointed out that the moment we sell our vote, we are selling our right.
Mon: Mon too observed the day at DC’s office complex. The DC & DEO of Mon, W. Honje Konyak exhorted the young new electors, stating they have the responsibility of electing their future leaders and to act as an agent of change for free, fair and peaceful elections. He urged the young voters to check the e-roll of their ward and village to ensure double entry of their name and also to make a commitment to act as the agent of change. At the same time, the Deputy Commissioner urged the churches and the civil societies to play an actively role to educate and create awareness to the people on the importance of the day in their respective community. Honje Konyak also gave away the prizes to the winners of the district level essay competition; Campus Ambassador district level; district level best BLO; best BLO for 43 & 46 A/C.
Peren: Peren district also celebrated the day at DC's conference hall. Nathan Konyak, AEO, Peren district gave a brief highlight of the various activities carried out by the election department which were aimed at creating awareness of the election process especially among young voters. Thonjiliu Pamei, Miss Peren, who is also the district icon for SVEEP campaign on clean election, encouraged the young voters to assert their right to vote for good moral cause which will have positive bearing for the future, rather than voting for wrong motives. S. Tainiu, ADC Peren challenged the youth to exercise the right to vote for right purpose, which ultimately will bring positive transformation in the society.
Phek: The 7th National Voters’ Day was also observed at Phek district headquarters with Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer, Phek Murohu Chotso as the chief guest. National Voters’ Day message was read out by ADC and ERO, Phek, folk song was presented by Niepralu Rhakho and group. Prizes for the essay competition 2016 (higher Secondary level and college level) and best Booth Level Officer (BLO) were also presented.
Pughoboto: Pughoboto sub-division celebrated the National Voters’ Day at ADC office, where ADC and District Election Officer, Pughoboto, Avelu Ruho challenged the voters to maintain free and fair election and apprised the newly enrolled voters to shoulder responsibilities with their valuable votes. She advocated one person one vote and called to maintain unity. SDO (C) and ERO Pughoboto, Er Namang Sepong Chang spoke on the significance of the day. He informed that as of today 12,600 voters have been enrolled under Pughoboto sub-division and the new enrolled totals to 144 for the current year. Prizes were also given to winners of the essay writing competition: Kiheto Assumi of GHS Pughoboto secured the first position, while the second and third positions went to Janet (New Fountain, Pughoboto) and Shevini (GHS Ighonumi). The best BLO of the year 2016 was awarded to Hindi Teacher, GHS Pughoboto, Khubu and BLO Mishilimi Polling Station No. 29. They were given cash prizes with certificates.
Tobu: The National Voters’ Day was observed at Tobu headquarters, chaired by CDPO Tobu, Oponthung Odyuo and the keynote address delivered by ADC Tobu, A. Zibanthung Kithan. Best BLO was awarded to H. Khoney Konyak of 55 A/C Polling Station 19 Tobu village.
Wokha: Wokha district also observed the National Voters’ Day at Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall. ADC Wokha, Thavaseelan (IAS) urged all adults, 18 years and above, to get enrolled and be a part of the democracy. District icon of SVEEP campaign, Dr. Abeny W Khuvung also highlighted the various programmes organised under SVEEP campaign for clean election. Emphasizing on clean election, she added that Nagaland being a Christian dominated State, churches should be used as platform to propagate the message of ethical voting. Best BLO awards were given to Zubenthung (37 A/C), Phyobemo (38 A/C), Tsenlamo (39 A/C) and T. Mhonchumo 40 (A/C) which included cash and commendation certificates. Prizes for essay writing competition for college and higher secondary level were also given to the winners.
Zunheboto: At the programme conducted at DC’s conference hall, Zunheboto, SDO (C), Zunheboto, Holohon Yepthomi spoke on the need of initiating younger generation to develop sense of responsibility to vote without being influenced by any unfair inducement. Kaheli Chophy, runner up, Miss Nagaland, who is the district icon of SVEEP campaign, reminded the gathering to vote in true spirit for principled persons and create awareness and be an agent of change. She also gave away prizes to best Booth Level Officers and winners of essay competition.
EPIC distributed to new voters in Kohima
Our Correspondent
Kohima | January 25
The Chief Electoral Officer’s Office, Nagaland today distributed EPIC to new voters of 18 & 19 years on the occasion of 7th National Voters’ Day here at Zonal Council Hall.
It was handed over by Nagaland’s Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar. He appreciated them for joining the “legend of voters” and hoped that their participation will result in better election.
Maintaining that youth are a great force, he said if they go in the wrong way the society will go wrong and if they do well the society would register positive note. The Chief Secretary also called upon the new voters to exercise their vote well to have much more fruitful life. Kumar also distributed prize to the winners of essay and drawing competitions, best BLOs and others.
Best BLOs of the Assembly Constituencies were: 8th Western Angami A/C- 14 New Market 1 polling station – Mhathung, 9th Kohima Town A/C- 38th Lerie Colony-1 polling station – Worthonthung Yanthan, 10 Northern Angami 1 A/C- 21 Keyake Polling station – Keneingu Rutsa, 11 Northern Angami 11 A/C- 16 Rusoma Polling station – Thepfusetuo Terhase, 12 Tseminyu- 37 Nsunyu polling station – Hinilo Tep, 14 Southern Angami I A/C- 1 Phesama upper polling station – Thepfuneiko and 15 Southern Angami 11 A/C- 7 Viswema polling station – Keletho Kin.
In recognition of sponsoring the print of 11.4 lakh pledge cards on Clean Election 2016 which enabled election department to collect 9 lakh signed pledge cards from across the state, CEO office Nagaland gave away token of appreciation to AGM and convenor of State Level Bankers Committee.
It also conferred Best Campus Ambassador of the State (2016) award in the field of Systematic Voter’s Education & Electoral Participation to Tshekuthi Thopi of Mount Hermon Higher Secondary School Kohima.
Winners of essay competition (college level) on ‘Solution to electoral malpractice begins with me’ were: First – Thejakietuo Liezietsu (Kohima College), Second – Kemezinu (Model Christian College), Third – Vimeyeno and Medokhrienuo Khezhie (both from Oriental College).
Winners of essay competition (higher secondary school level) on ‘Multiple registration as a voter and furnishing wrong particulars are illegal, unethical and immoral’ were: First – Merio N. Ngullie (Ministers’ Hill Baptist HSS), Second – Neiphrezonuo Tseikha (Mezhur HSS), and Third – Vekhruvolii (Don Bosco HSS).
Winners of state level essay competition for students of universities on ‘Ethical and informed voting for all round development’ were: First – Joel Thangeo (School of Information Technology- Nagaland University Dimapur), Second – Kedorovino Ursula (The Global Open University, Dimapur), and Third – Dzüvinguno Dorothy Chasie (Nagaland University, Meriema, Kohima). Winners of state level drawing competition on the theme ‘Every vote counts’ were: First – Changnyei T. Phom (Model HSS Kohima) and Second – Y Ayem (Little Star HSS Dimapur).
