Our Correspondent
Wokha, Sep 8 (EMN): Commemorating Youth Voter’s Festival 2017, a one-day seminar on clean elections on a topic “Increasing qualitative participation in terms of ethical and informed voting” was conducted at Mount Tiyi College (MTC), Wokha, organised by District Election Office.
Resource persons namely Dr. Moanungsang Tzudir, Principal of Witter Theological College, Vankhosung, and Dr. Abeny Khuvung, District Icon Wokha, have stressed on the importance of clean elections for the overall development in the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Moanungsang Tzudir stressed on educating people with positive mindset on free, fair, ethical participation of every citizen to ensure clean elections. While stressing on the importance of clean elections, he encouraged the gathering to exercise the principles of ‘one man one vote’ and not resorting to multiple enrolments in different constituencies.
‘Right to vote is a legal right without any discrimination on religion, race, caste or sex for those who have attained the age of 18-year under the constitution of India. The right to vote is a civic duty that every citizen must exercise and wisely vote to shape the future of nation,’ he stated.
Terming Nagaland as a Christian state, Dr. Moanungsang also stressed that one must practice the culture of righteousness saying, ‘it is not only our rights but responsibility to uphold clean elections’ in the larger interest of the society.
He challenged the gathering to first check on one’s status and avoid multiples entries in electoral rolls, choose candidates base on competency and to completely stop the use of force, proxy voting and selling and buying votes as it is always against the will of God.
Dr. Abeny Khuvung, Wokha District Icon for Clean Elections, called upon the students and faculty members to be prayerful and follow the path of righteousness. She suggested walking the talk to achieve the vision for a clean elections stating the hour of talk and discussion are over.
She has attributed the past corrupt political practices of selling votes responsible for the current hardship in the Naga society. She advised the educated youth of the State to recommit and rededicate themselves and also educate the older people in order to live in a better society.
“If only the people are reminded to do what is right, than humanity will prevail where God will provide all necessity accordingly,” she added.
Skit on current political scenario was displayed by the students followed with discussion in which the students raised their ideas and suggestions.
The programme was chaired by Khyobenthung Tsopoe, Assisatant Professor of MTC, while the welcome note was addressed by Sukhalu Chishi, EAC, Wokha, and the vote of thanks was said by Toshimongba Longchar, Assistant Election Officer, Wokha.
Meanwhile, an essay and painting competitions on clean elections was also conducted in the DC’s conference hall, Wokha, with the participation of 20 students from Mount Tiyi College, Belly Baptist College, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Government Higher Secondary School Wokha, and GHSS Chikitong.
