Nagaland observes 11th National Voters Day

‘Making our voters empowered, vigilant, safe and informed’

Kohima, January 25 (MExN): To mark the 11th National Voters Day, the Nagaland state Election Department organized several programmes in all district headquarters, sub-divisions and all polling stations with the theme ‘making our voters empowered, vigilant, safe and informed’ on January 25. 

Kohima: In Kohima, the event was held at Capital Convention Center. Chief Electoral Officer, Nagaland, Abhijit Sinha (IAS), in his speech on the perspective and background on National voters day said that in order to effectively deal with this problem face by the voters, the Election Commission (EC) has decided to take up a vigorous exercise to identify all eligible voters attaining the age of 18 years as of January 1 every year in each of the 8.5 lakh polling stations across the country.

Such eligible voters would be enrolled on time and handed over their Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) on January 25th every year. CEO said that this initiative is expected to give the youth a sense of empowerment, pride and inspire them to effectively deal with this problem. He appealed to all eligible citizens to exercise their right without fear, intimidation and inducement. Sinha also requested all to be always vigilant against any kind of electoral malpractices, be fully literate about the electoral processes so as to be able to make informed decisions during the elections and to further follow all the current health safety protocols to ensure safe elections. 

Chief Secretary, Nagaland, J Alam, IAS, called upon all to remember the countless number of people who are silently working behind the scenes to facilitate the process of registering everyone and making them eligible to vote in elections and who are also contributing to conduct free and fair elections. He also said that conducting elections is a mammoth exercise and there are a lot of issues and since the voting process is the basis of what kind of government we get, it becomes very important to continuously educate voters to be fully informed about the promises and policies which the political parties and candidates plan to implement. 

Alam further said that e-EPIC system which was launched on the same day is completely hassle free and is a portable document which can be downloaded on mobile or on a self-printable form on the computer.

The Chief Secretary also released 'A Glimpse of Systematic Voters Education & Electoral Participation (SVEEP) Activities in Nagaland' at the programme.

Phek:  In Phek, Deputy Commissioner & District Election Officer Phek, Razouvolie Dozo NCS said people’s mindset need to be changed for betterment of our future. He discouraged double entry further congratulated the young voters for their enrolment to cast their franchise for betterment of our future.

The function was chaired by Imliakum Sanglir, EAC, Phek. Significance of NVD by was delivered by Tsuktimar Jamir, ADC & ERO, Phek. 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: Higher Secondary level : First- Lenpenthe Thyorr, St. Xavier Higher Secondary School Meluri, Second - Thejongyoyi Vero, Patkai Higher Secondary School Dimapur, Third -Ukolu Hoshi GHSS Phek.

College University Level: First - Vepilu Ringa, Kohima Science College, Second -Vienite Chiezou Pfutsero Government College, Third -Satalu Nienu, Sam Higgin Bottom, Allahabad.                

Wokha: DC & District Election Officer, Wokha, Orenthung Lotha while addressing the gathering at Deputy Commissioner Conference Hall, Wokha said as voters we are empowered with duty and responsibility in electing the right leader and the privileged given to us as voters we should be conscious in choosing the right leader who will work for the betterment of our society in bringing change and prosperity and urged the newly enlisted voters to exercise their rights wisely.

He also encouraged youngster who have attained the age of 18 years to get enrolled and express rights by taking part in the election process in the form of voting. Later, the DC also read out the message of the Chief Election Commissioner.

ADC & Electoral Registration Officer, Wokha, K Mhathung Tsanglao, while delivering the key note address said, democracy depends on voting and only when the voters vote are the representative selected, but there are many responsibilities upon the voters and added that having the right to vote and able to choose our leader voters have to be vigilant so that voters know who is capable of being a leader.

To ensure the safety of democracy Mhathung urged the voters to make a conscious decision so that in the long run and in the process of governance we safeguard democracy.

Stating voting is a very conscious decision making process he called upon all to be knowledgeable and well informed voters and take part in election process in sustaining democracy.

Deputy Commissioner also handed over commendation certificate to the best Booth Level Officer (BLOs) of37-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. LaterADC & ERO, Wokha Mhathung led the gathering in reading and signing of the pledge.

Later, the DC & DEO, Wokha handed over the EPIC (Voters) Cards to the newly enrolled electors.

Dimapur: Speaking at the programme held at Conference Hall of Taxes Commissioner, DC & District Election Officer, Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan as special guest said that the cornerstone of Indian democracy was the introduction of universal adult franchise, ensuring every eligible citizen irrespective of religion and caste have the right to vote.

He also said that in the past decades many eligible votes were missed out from the electoral role but due to constant effort made by the Election Commission and many stakeholders the percentage of Electors have increased though not 100% and would continue to do so by creating more avenues and mechanisms.

DC congratulated the BLOs for their seamless work and also all the government employees who also play an important role during election. Congratulating all new young voters, DC, urged them to judiciously use the right given to them.

Assistant Election Officer Dimapur Roland Merry, who also chaired the function while informing the launching to e-EPIC by the Election Commission said that e-EPIC is a PDF version of EPIC which can be downloaded on mobile or self printable form on the computer. He further added that it can be downloaded from 25th to 31st January 2021 by new electors registered during Summary Revision 2021 and having unique mobile number in Enroll from https://voterportal.eci.go & https://nvsp.in thereafter from February 1 all other general elector will be able to download the same.

Other highlights of the programme included display of message by Chief Election Commissioner, presentation of awards to BLOs, felicitation of new voters by special guest and administration of Voters Pledge by ADC, Dimapur, V Lovitoly Sema.

 

Tuensang: Addressing the programme held at CKS Hall, ADC & ERO Tuensang, Ajit Kumar Verma IAS enlightened the young voters on the value of the votes. Proxy voting is not ethical and should be checked strictly since the voters are the future of the society and shall maintain the ethical values of voting, he said. He also encouraged the young voters that they are lucky to be born and living in a democratic society. National Voters Day was established to have a quality election processes and impartial democratic system, he said and also encouraged the voters basing on the theme of the celebration.   

The best level officers and online slogan competition awards were also awarded in the programme while the chief Elections Commissioners Message was also displayed in the programme. 

The felicitation of the newly enrolled electors was also held while the BBBP also felicitated the first time female voters. Rohit Singh IAS SDO (C) administered the pledge. 

 
Longleng: Speaking on the importance of the day at DC’s Conference Hall, ADC & Electoral Registration Officer, 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 informed that the role of observing the National Day was to educate and empower the newly enrolled young voters to understand the value of their votes and their rights for a strong and stable democracy. 

He appealed to the young voters to come forward to change the mindset of selling voters during elections asserting that National Voters’ Day is the right time to bring change and have clean electoral roll for clean election and to elect the best leaders for our community. He therefore, appealed to the participants to disseminate the vales and the rights of the voters back 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.  The ADC & ERO, Longleng D. Robin also gave away the awards to the best BLOs of 49 & 50 A/C and later administered the pledge of National Voters’ Day. 

Mokokchung: DC & District Election Officer, Mokokchung Limawabang Jamir, speaking in the programme held at ADC Planning Conference Hall, the DC congratulated the first time registered voters and called upon all not to sell ones vote for any monetary gains which will leads to weakening of our democracy. He also congratulated all the Both Level Officers (BLO) in the district for their great contribution and tireless efforts in the electoral process. Awards were presented to the best BLOs.

DC also felicitated all the newly enrolled voters and also administered the voters pledge.

The programme was chaired by Sentilong Ozukum EAC Hq welcome address was delivered by Dharam Raj IAS SDO (C) Mokokchung. Vote of thanks proposed by shri Zerutso Kesiezie EAC Hq.

Noklak: Speaking on the occasion at DC Conference hall, Noklak DC, Noklak, Reny Wilfred, IAS stated that every vote counts when it comes to democracy and development. Democracy flourishes with an informed citizen who votes in the electoral process and advice to practice free, fair and peaceful election, he said. DC gave away the best BLOs award and also administered the national Voters' day pledge.

President, Khiamniungan Tribal Council, M Thangou who was a special invitee on the occasion encouraged all voters has to cast their votes during election and elaborated on the importance of voting in a democracy and the rights of voting.  He encouraged all the young voters to take part in the polling process and also gave away the epic cards.

The best BLO was awarded to N C 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 bag first, second and third position respectively.

Zunheboto: In Zunheboto, a programme was held at the DC's conference hall with DEO & DC Zunheboto, Peter Lichamo as special guest.

Speaking at the programme, Lichamo said the main aim is 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. He mentioned that, people of our state and also all those working and in connection with the election department, should focus mainly on clean and fair elections.

ADC & ERO, Zunheboto, Hito Sema in his keynote address highlighted on the emergence of the national voters' day to the gathering. District SVEEP icon Atheli Zhimomi, while delivering short speech, said that, it is seen that the number of voters increase every year but exercise of the right was not satisfactory and she added that exercise of adult franchise should be fully and properly utilised to see a developed nation. 

Various awards were given away, the main being the best BLO award which was given to K Zheyito Achumi, JE PWD (R&B) BLO 5/35-A/C Zunheboto.

The programme chaired by EAC Zunheboto, Orenthung Kikon and the pledge was administered by special guest and AEO Zunheboto.