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With the general election to the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) just two weeks away and various political parties expected to intensify campaigning to woo the voters, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Nagaland, V Shashank Shekhar on Saturday called for a free and fair election in the state.
Addressing an orientation workshop on Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) at Hotel Eastgate in Kohima, the CEO urged the voters, especially in the villages to support ‘clean election’.
While lauding some villages for passing resolutions to ensure free and fair election, he requested more villages to come up with measures to eradicate electoral malpractices.
He also asked the Private Registered Troops (PRTs) to help the masses in enrolling their names in the electoral roll, exercise adult franchise in a democratic way, and to educate young voters about SVEEP.
He went on to urge everyone -- political parties, leaders and general public -- to work collectively towards successful conduct of the upcoming election in a free and fair manner.
Speaking at the workshop, Shanavas C, Deputy Commissioner and District Election Officer (DEO) Kohima, said various activities have been organised as part of SVEEP.
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He urged the youth to change the existing system and sensitise the people about the significance of a free and fair election in a democracy as well as asked the citizens to cast their votes in the upcoming state Assembly election.
Delivering welcome address earlier in the programme, P. Sophie, Field Execution Officer, Head of Office, Field Office Kohima, said election is one of the most challenging processes of the country's democratic tradition owing to sheer scale, size, diversity, and complexity.
He maintained that conducting a free and fair election has always been a matter of pride and honour for the country. He also stressed on the need to organise orientation and facilitation programmes for young Indians, who are qualified to be registered as voters, to let them know their new role and get engaged with the electoral registration and participation.
Sophie maintained that there are visible gaps in electoral participation among women, urban population, weaker sections and others in various parts of the country owing to a range of factors. When it comes to the state, he said there is a need to promote ethical and informed voting, free of inducements among voters.
He said SVEEP has emerged as a phenomenon in the arena of providing voter literacy and that it has made a demonstrative impact in educating the voters and catalyzing high voter participation over the years.
The officer maintained that the objective of Saturday's event was to enhance qualitative participation during this Assembly election, and accordingly the objective of the workshop was on capacity building for PRTs from Nagaland and Manipur to carry the message of SVEEP in identified areas of the state.
The workshop aims at training and equipping the PRTs on election process, creating voter awareness and effective communication during SVEEP campaign with special focus on information, motivation and facilitation, he said, adding that the PRTs will then carry out the campaign at various locations in innovative ways, including mobilisation and communication through songs, dramas, dances, martial arts skills display and others.
During the technical session, Kikumsungla Jamir, Deputy Secretary and Officer Special Duty (OSD) to the office of CEO Nagaland, highlighted the activities of SVEEP throughout the state and facilities available.
Chaired by Taimongla Kichu, the workshop was organised by Central Bureau of Communication, Field Office Kohima, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in association with Chief Electoral Officer Nagaland. (Kohima, EMN)