With the rest of the country, Nagaland observed National Voters Day in various districts, under the theme “Making our voters empowered, vigilant, safe and informed”, to educate and empower the newly enrolled young voters to understand the value of their votes and rights for a strong and stable democracy.
Dimapur: Dimapur observed the day at conference hall, commissioner of Taxes, Dimapur, with DC Dimapur Rajesh Soundararajan as special guest on Monday. Addressing the gathering, Rajesh Soundararajan, who is also the district election officer (DEO) congratulated the newly enrolled voters, and stated that the future of the state relied on the voters and urged all the voters to use the “right to vote” sensibly and without the influence of considerations of religion, race, caste, community, language or any other inducement.
Further speaking about the evolution of voting rights, he stated that voting was not a privilege for everyone, whereby only few had the privilege as a voter, requiring certain considerations and qualifications in some countries, while gender and race discrimination were existent in some countries. He however opined that one of the cornerstone achievement of India was the introduction of Universal Adult Franchise (UAF), which ensures its citizen the right to vote. Acknowledging the booth level officers (BLO), he stated that they were the cutting edge persons during all election process and critical elements for the seamless transmission of election process and further urged upon all BLOs to continue to work in the same spirit. DC also presented award to BLOs and felicitated new voters. Chairing the programme, assistant election officer, Dimapur, Roland Merry stated the benefits of e-EPIC card after it was launched on January 25.
Merry stated that the e-EPIC card acted as an alternate and faster mode of obtaining electoral photo ID card in digital format and that was equally valid as proof of document for voter identification. Earlier, display of message by chief election commissioner, Sunil Arora was presented through a powerpoint presentation while administration of voters pledge was initiated by ADC, V Lovitoly Sema. (Staff Reporter)
Zunheboto: DEO & DC Zunheboto, Peter Lichamo as the special guest said that, the main aim was to reach the younger generation to exercise the franchise by electing the right representative and also to empower the youths in making the right decision while choosing one. ADC & ERO, Zunheboto, Hito Sema in his keynote address highlighted on the emergence of the national voters’ day. District SVEEP icon Atheli Zhimomi said that, number of voters increase every year but exercise of the right was not satisfactory, whereby she added that exercise of adult franchise should be fully and properly utilised. Various awards were given and away, and the main was the best BLO award which was claimed by K. Zheyito Achumi, JE PWD(R&B) BLO 5/35-A/C Zunheboto. Programme was chaired by EAC Zunheboto, Orenthung Kikon, invocation by OS, Hetoli Zhimo, special number by Kihikali H. Rotokha. The pledge was administered by DC.
Longleng: In Longleng the NVD 2021 was observed at DC’s conference hall on January 25, where ADC and electoral registration officer (ERO) Longleng, D. Robin asserted that summary revision of electoral roll was conducted annually for inclusion of young eligible voters and exclusion of bogus, proxy or deletion of dead voters for a clean electoral roll. He appealed to the participants to disseminate the values and rights of the voters to their family, friends, community and rural populace for a vibrant society. Earlier, short speeches were delivered by Mopling Phom EAC HQ, Vinit Kumar DIO (NIC) Longleng and Chingmei Phom campus ambassador Yingli College, Longleng. Robin also gave away the awards to the best BLOs of 49 & 50 A/C and later administered the pledge.
Tuensang: In Tuensang, the ADC and ERO, Ajit Kumar Verma was the special guest and enlightened the young voters on the value of the votes. According to DIPR report, he said proxy voting was not ethical and should be checked strictly since the voters are the future of the society and shall maintain the ethical values of voting. Best booth level officers and online slogan competition awards were also awarded while the chief election commissioner’s message was also displayed in the programme. SDO (C) Rohit Singh administered the pledge.
Mokokchung: Programme was held at ADC planning conference hall Mokokchung with DC, and DEO Mokokchung, Limawabang Jamir as special guest congratulated the first time registered voters and called upon all not to sell one’s vote for any monetary gains which would lead to weakening of democracy. He also congratulated all the BLOs in the district and awards were presented to the best BLOs. DC also administered the voters pledge.
Phek: DC & DEO Phek, Razouvolie Dozo discouraged double entry and congratulated the young voters for their enrolment to cast their franchise for betterment of the future. Felicitation/award for best booth level officer of 19-Phek A/C went to Wepelou part no.31-Phek town I/wing. Winners of district essay writing competition were: under higher secondary level, first went to St. Xavier Higher Secondary School Meluri, Lenpenthe Thyorr, Patkai Higher Secondary School Dimapur, Thejongyoyi Vero as second while third prize went to GHSS Phek, Ukolu Hoshi; under college university level, first place went to Kohima Science College, Vepilu Ringa, second prize went to Pfutsero Govt. College, Vienite Chiezou and third, Sam Higgin Bottom, Allahabad, Satalu Nienu.
Wokha: DC & DEO Wokha, Orenthung Lotha encouraged youngsters who had attained the age of 18 years to enrol and express rights by taking part in the election process in the form of voting. DC also read out the message of the CEC. ADC & electoral registration officer, Wokha, K Mhathung Tsanglao while delivering the keynote address said that the democracy depended on voting and voters must be able to choose the right leader. DC handed over commendation certificate to the best BLOs of 37-Tiyi and 38-Wokha A/C to K Arhono Ezung and John Kikon respectively. Award for online slogan competition was bagged by Ethungbeni Murry, Elizabeth Lotha and Sulobeni Humtsoe respectively. Later, ADC & ERO, Wokha Mhathung led the gathering in reading and signing of the pledge, while DC & DEO, Wokha handed over EPIC (Voters) cards to the newly enrolled electors.
Noklak: DC Noklak, Reny Wilfred advised to practice free, fair and peaceful election. DC gave away the best BLOs award and also administered the national voters’ day pledge. President, Khiamniungan Tribal Council, M Thangou encouraged all voters to cast their votes and encouraged young voters to take part in the polling process and also gave away the epic cards.
Best BLO was awarded to NC Mushiu of 56/22 A/C Noklak and PC Kamthong of 57/15 AC Thonoknyu. In the online essay competition, Leing L, Muthiam P and Tanghiu S bagged first, second and third position respectively.
Pughoboto: In Pughoboto, ADC & DEO, Thungchanbemo Tungoe congratulated the winners and urged participants and BLOs to continue to do the same and also rededicate themselves. SDO &ERO distributed EPICs and badges to newly enrolled voters. The newly total enrolled voters under 13 A/C Pughoboto was 516 out of 14064 voters as on electoral Roll January 15. ADC & DEO Pughoboto gave away the best award BLOs 2021 and prizes for essay, painting and mini marathon. Best BLOs 2020-2021 was awarded to Vihokhu Swu from Mukalimi Part 14. Earlier, NVD pledge was administered by ADC & DEO Pughoboto.
Aboi: At Aboi town, NVD was observed at ADC conference hall, Aboi Town. While reading out CEC’s message, ADC & AERO 47 A/C Aboi encouraged newly enrolled voters and distributed voter ID & badges among them. Voters pledge was also administered.
Chen: SDO (Civil) & AERO 45 A/C Tehok Samuel Konyak thanked BLOs for their dedication and hard work.He also spoke on voter enrolment process and use of EVMs and handed voters ID card to newly enrolled Voters.
Thonoknyu: SDO (C), Longdiba L Sangtam encouraged newly inducted voters and briefed on the awareness and significance of the day. NVD pledge was administered and short speech was delivered by TAPO acting president Pukho as special guest.
Chozuba: EAC Chozuba, Obang Jamir delivered the keynote address and K Bawe A wing Sukrusu BLO 6 GPS (A) was awarded the best BLO in 18AC Chozuba.
Pfutsero: In Pfutsero, an essay writing competition was held under two category, college level and higher secondary level. Best BLO was also felicitated and EPIC and badges were distributed during the celebration.