Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner with awardees in state and district level of art & painting competition and easy writing competition. (DIPR Photo)
KOHIMA, January 25 (MExN): The 9th National Voters’ Day 2019 under the theme ‘No voter to be left behind’ was celebrated at Hotel Japfu, Kohima on January 25 with Sentiyanger Imchen, IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary & Development Commissioner, Nagaland as the chief guest.
Imchen in his speech said, “the National Voters’ Day was launched in our country since every eligible citizen of the country has the right to vote and appealed to all young voters, registered voters and the disabled to exercise their voting rights with a clear and clean mind and not to vote for money, religion etc.” He also said that the Election Commission are doing their best to get every eligible citizen to get enrolled to vote and are also making special arrangements for the disabled and differently-abled. Imchen also called upon the Election Commission, BLOs and the administration to see that no genuine voter’s name are deleted from the list, to check proxy voting, booth capturing and violence in polling booths which turns away voters. The National Voters’ Day Pledge was also administrated by Imchen.
Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha, IAS while highlighting on the Voters’ Day Perspective and Background said Voters’ Day came into existence in our country on January 25, 2011 to mark the first day of election held in our country on January 25, 1950. He further said that Voters’ Day is also the Foundation Day of the Election Commissioner, as on this day the Commission spreads awareness to young voters who have received their EPIC through activities and messages and also aims to reach out to all students to spread the awareness. The CEO also said the Commission is also preparing special arrangements for the disabled and the senior citizens so that no voters are left behind in the 2019 Lok Sabha. He motivated every voter to vote in a fair manner. National Voters’ Pledge will also be taken in all departments and offices, he added.
Hekani Jakhalu, Chair Youth Net in her speech on “My vision for a Clean Election” highlighted the underlying corruption and the vulgar display of money politics in the present Election system in the State. She further stressed on the need to help the young people of the state to grow in a society which is free from corruption and all forms of electoral mal practices and also educate them about the entire electoral system and the importance of their vote in electing responsible leaders who can in turn take the society forward thus ensuring a bright future for the generations to come. “My vision is to see a clean election, a corruption free election and to spread the message of clean election to every single citizen in the State. Let us not sell our vote, our right and our future” she said.
Thejakhrienuo Nakhro, District Icon, Kohima also gave a short speech on the “Role of Youth in Clean Election” wherein she mentioned the importance and the power of young voters in a country where 50 per cent of the population is below the age of 25 years. She also stressed on the need to educate the young people about the electoral system and the need to elect the most deserving candidates and not be misled by financial and personal gains. She further added that the youth have the power to either form or topple a government and hence they should take up their roles as voters responsibly and to be honest dedicated and sincere in all their endeavors and emerge as positive trendsetters for the society.
Message from the Chief Election Commissioner, Sunil Arora and Flash mob videos on clean election and a few short films by Election Commission of India were also screened during the programme.
EPICs and National Voters’ Day badges were also presented to New Voters from all the constituencies under Kohima District by Abhijit Sinha, IAS, CEO, Nagaland.
PEREN: The 9th National Voters’ Day was celebrated at Town Council Hall, Peren Town with SDO (Civil) Peren, Rahul, IAS as special guest. Addressing at the function he encouraged the students to participate which thereby enhanced the quality of our democracy.
Earlier, Assistant Election Officer Peren, Nathan Konyak delivered keynote address. During the function, Thongkojang from 6-Tening AC and Keyiningle from 7-Peren A/C were awarded the best BLO among the District. PwD Icon Peren, Agumbe Nta and Ipungchule Ndang presented special Number. The function was attended by government official, students and representatives from Political Parties.
DIMAPUR: Dimapur district celebrated National Voters Day at the conference hall of Commissioner of Taxes Office with Commissioner of Taxes, Kesonyu Yhome, IAS as special guest.
Speaking on the occasion, he mentioned about the achievements in the neighbouring states, however, our state has very few success stories which show the picture of the state.
Pointing out the theme for 2019 National Voters Day ‘no voters to be left behind’ he said, Nagaland state has different situation. Authorities in election mercenary face problems not because of leaving out voters but because of having inflated figures on e-role.
He urged everyone to cut down on electoral malpractice and to start doing their own part in cleaning the e-role and ensure that only eligible voters can vote and to ensure that electoral is clean which leads to a free, fair and transparent election.
Earlier, a massage by Chief Election Commissioner was displayed. Presentation of award to Booth Level Officers and felicitation of new voters was done by the special guest. Administration of Voters Pledge was done by ADC Dimapur, Albert Ezung.
ZUNHEBOTO: Zunheboto District celebrated the 9th National Voter’s Day at DC Office’s Conference Hall Zunheboto.
While delivering the welcome address, Deputy Commissioner & DEO Zunheboto, Shanavas C, IAS explained the various codes and conducts of election and encouraged the officials to be sincere in carrying out their duties for clean and peaceful election. He also called upon the officials to ensure that all eligible persons (i.e. above the age of 18 years) should be able to vote and that his/her voting rights should not be compromised or surrendered in lieu of money, force or anything. He further explained about the NOTA button in the EVM which stands for None of the Above (NOTA) which means that if a voter does not want to vote for any candidate then he/she can press the NOTA button.
The District Icon, Aghali H Assumi spoke on the theme ‘No Voters to be left behind.’
The highlights of the programme were award to BLO and prize distribution to winners of various competition that was conducted by AEO Toshimongba where the BLOs from various constituencies under Zunheboto district were awarded for their excellent performance, the Deputy Commissioner led the Pledge Taking and SDO (C), ADC & AERO, Ajit Kumar Ranjan chaired the programme and AERO, Namang Chang delivered the vote of thanks.
PHEK: The 9th National Voters Day was held at the Phek DPDB conference hall where government officials and NGOs took NVD pledge for promotion of democratic electoral participation.
Deputy Commissioner, Orenthung Lotha said that every citizen who has reached the age to vote should participate and abstain from selling their votes for development in all the fields. He also called upon the voters to vote for the right candidates who can lead our people in the right direction. He called upon the people to disseminate learning of electoral literacy and awareness message on voter’s right and responsibility to all the section of the people which will facilitate in taking corrective measures. During the felicitation, awards were presented for best BLO to BAC Phek, Khrusayi Lasuh, Surveyor LRSO. In essay competition the first prize was awarded to Khroto-u of Pfutsero College, the second prize went to Lemningthang Kipgen of Christian Mission Higher Secondary School Phek and the third prize went to Vieyo Rose of Phek Government College.
MOKOKCHUNG: National Voters Day was observed at Community Hall, Penli Ward Mokokchung with special guest and theme speaker T. Imlitoshi Walling in the presence of DC & DEO Mokokchung, Rajesh Soundarajan, IAS.
While speaking at the programme, Walling called on the youth and encouraged them to get enrolled in the electoral roll and get involved in the democratic process of the nation building. DC & DEO Mokokchung also delivered short speech where he also encouraged young voters to take opportunity and exercise their voting right. The DC conducted felicitation of enrolled voters and administered the voters pledge and gave away the presentation to the best BLO award, Winner of Essay and Debate competition.
TUENSANG: District Election Office Tuensang organized the 9th National Voters Day at CKS Hall Tuensang. The programme was attended by the District Administrative Officers, DBs and GBs, political parties’ students and newly enrolled voters. Nungsanglemba Chang President Chang Khulei Setshang was the chief guest of the programme.
Deputy Commissioner Tuensang, L. Jamithung Lotha in his welcome speech introduced the toll free number 1950 for the election related quires which is answerable from every respective election offices of the state.
Nungsanglemba Chang, President CKS in his speech encouraged using the right to franchise. He said that the scenario of Naga election processes in depriving the genuine voters should be checked and such corruption by means of depriving the genuine voters by proxy votes should be checked he said. Speaking on the theme he said, it should be the responsibility and duty of the citizens to get it enrolled. He also exhorted the students and the newly enrolled voters to take every right and participate in franchise.
District Icon SVEEP in her short speech talked on importance of democracy and responsibilities of a citizen to act on the election processes so that the meaning of Democracy will be materialized. District Icon PwDs spoke on the responsibilities of every citizen irrespective of abilities or disabilities who should participate in the election processes and should avail one’s right specially the young voters should be given should be given this political right.
Loyem Memorial College Tuensang demonstrated the current scenario of the voters in action in form of a skit. NVD Pledged was initiated BY M. Chaitanya Prasad IAS ADC and ERO Tuensang while EVM Demonstration was conducted by Pukha EAC Tuensang.
MON: The 9th National Voters’ Day programme was held at Council Hall, Mon. “It is everybody’s responsible to elect the candidate and no votes to be left behind,” stated by Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer, Mon Thavaseelan K, IAS. National Voters Day is very important and significant where the young voters who are newly enrolled in the e-roll will become a part of the electoral process. He encouraged the young voters to ensure responsible votes during election. Mon district helpline for election related enquiries is 03869-1950, he informed.
DC gave away the certificates and award to the winners of College Debate, School Essay Competition, Marathon Run and AC wise Best BLO during the occasion. He also led the undertaking of voter’s pledge during the programme.
Dharam Raj, IAS, Assistant Commissioner, Mon advised the young voters to be an agent of change and to choose the leader wisely and vote ethically during election where everybody’s votes count.
Easter Konyak, District Icon & Miss Mon 2018 and Nangpa Konyak, District Icon PwDs, Mon also delivered short speeches.
WOKHA: The 9th National Voters Day (NVD) was observed at Wokha district at Town Hall. Additional Deputy Commissioner & Electoral Registration Officer Wokha, K. Mhanthung Tsanglao, in his key note address, said that National Voters day was instituted to increase the numbers of voters all around the country, especially the young voters, to spread awareness regarding the effective participation in the electoral process among the voters. He said that India is a democratic country, every citizen has the basic right to vote, he or she has the right to vote and select a leader who is capable to lead the nation, solve the problems of the common people, bring about changes etc.
National Voters Day is significant day, because the future of the country lies on the leaders that we choose, if we don’t come forward and choose the right leader, than the progressive development of the country will be hampered and it will also affect the people of the country, as it is the leaders of the country that decide the progress of the country.
Mhathung said that in addition to the National Voters Day, the ECI has also instituted the systematic voter’s education and electoral participation for enhancing inclusiveness among various categories to encourage electoral participation and in this regard Wokha district has setup implementing cells for the differently-abled people.
ADC said that National Voters Day is also very important day to capture the new voters who had attained the age of 18 years, as the future belongs to the youngsters and they are the leaders of our tomorrow, he said political activities are shaped by unique experiences and diverse background, it is essential that they can channel their energy towards positive change, and added that it is crucial that the youngster recognise that they are the leaders of tomorrow and have more involvement. He also urged the parents and teachers who are the guardian of the youngster to be supportive and to give opportunities for active participation in the electoral process.
Miss Wokha & 1st Runner’s up Miss Nagaland Grace W Ezung, the District Icon, in her short speech said that voters have the right to choose leaders by actively participating in the electoral process and as a citizen of the country it is important to exercise their franchise to shape the destiny of our country that is why every vote is important and no vote should be left behind.
Other highlights of the programme include short speech by Chairman HoHo, Mhondamo Ovung and District Icon for differently able person, Rhonjamo Lotha. Short drama on clean election and how to get enrolled in the electoral process was performed by students of Mt. Tiyi College, felicitation to the newly enrolled voters, reading and signing of pledge by the newly enrolled voters. The District also conducted essay writing competition for the college level and slogan writing competition for the school level. The programme was chaired by Tumben P Tsanglao, EAC Wokha.
CIVIL SECRETARIAT: National Voter’s Day has been observed in Nagaland Civil Secretariat on January 25 where a pledge taking programme was held on account of the event. The programme was chaired by the Home Commissioner, Ramakrishnan, IAS who administered the pledge to the officers and staff.
Earlier the Secretary, Home Department Rovilatuo Mor, IAS has said that National Voter’s Day is observed every year with a purpose to spread awareness on the importance of voting by every citizen. With the message to spread awareness on the importance of proper exercise of franchise by every citizen on the national event, he further said.
