Allia Tzudir
Dimapur | January 31
Considering the fact that as many as 24,689 young voters who attained the age of 18 years between January 2, 2022 and January 1, 2023 have enrolled in the final electoral roll published by Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) with January 1, 2023 as the qualifying date, Naga elders from the academic to the church and other backgrounds believe that young people are central in the State electoral process.
‘Participate cautiously’
“In the present political scenario, the involvement of young people in politics is crucial,” commented Akuba Sangtam, an assistant professor in Sao Chang College, Tuensang.
According to him, “Politicians today will not be politicians and policy makers forever. Sooner or later, the mantle shall fall into the future hands. Therefore, the youth of the country must be prepared to take up their roles as future law makers and leaders.”
“It might not be an easy thing to do, as young people are easily carried away by the lures of money and power, but they have to be careful not to jump into politics leaving their studies neglected,” he cautioned. “Only an educated mind can be a good leader of the masses. The youth should cautiously participate in the electoral process and only then we can expect change for a better tomorrow,” he affirmed.
“It is the Constitutional Rights of every citizen age 18 years and above to participate and know their rights,” emphasised Dr Temjensosang, a professor at Nagaland University.
‘Youth can be the difference’
“The present youth can be the difference in the society by casting their votes for the right candidate as youths are the continuity strength of functioning democracy,” said K Chuba Chang from Noksen Town. Chang remarked that in all democratic republics there is “higher young electorate participation percentage,” contributing to a “more vibrant and transparent society globally.”
Young people must be taught the “true moral ethics of democracy so that they are capable of taking the right decision for their tomorrow,” he said and added, “Youths must also understand that by participating in the election process, they are participating in the decision making process for themselves and the society in general.”
Avibou Terhuja who is a social activist opined that participating in State election is ‘all about choosing the right leader for our future progress and development with a foresighted vision.”
Terhuja shared the aspiration that the right leader should come from grassroot who actually has a daily life and not an orator or having influence (wealth) and affluence (status and background). “And that a young upcoming leader with such character and action should be chosen unlike the current trend we have here,” he stated.
Making an appeal not to indulge in malpractices of buying and selling votes Kohima based businessman and politician, Abu Angami said, “If we want to advance our State with all round developments, Naga youths should change their mindsets- free of corruption, reformation and transformation.”
Understand the true power of vote
Asserting that ‘Right to Vote is the greatest power a citizen can have in a democracy,’ Moadiba Kichu, Home Evangelist at Police Baptist Church, Tuensang believes that young people can bring positive changes in Nagaland. In this modern age of mass media, Kichu observes, young people are more aware of the rights and powers they have through participation in the electoral process. “They understand the true power of their vote,” he stated. ‘Youths are the future,’ he reiterated and added that they hold the power to shape the future.
Stating that youths are well aware that corruption and buying and selling of votes are the core problems in electoral process, Kichu said “Naga youths have much more clear judgment of the problem and can play a part in solving the problem.”
However, he expressed concerned that some young people who are following the paths of their predecessors “might become the problem themselves.” At the same time, he imposed faith that majority of the young people knows the value and strength of their vote and will use it sensibly.
Pastor of Shillong Ao Baptist Church, Meyu Changkiri, added, “If not immediately, but they will bring positive changes.”
The writer is a student of BA-Communication English in Jyoti Nivas Autonomous College, Bengaluru. She is currently an intern in The Morung Express.
This is the last of a two-part series.
